In paying tribute to Winston Blake of Merritone Sound Sstem, boyhood friend, Anthony Matthewss, had this to say:"So long my boyhood friend,as we got older we saw less and less of each other,but whenever we met it was as if we never lost a day.To the family I extend my sincere condolences.Remember him as he was,A nicer person was almost impossible to find.RIP"

Matthews has thousands agreeing with his statement because the reality is that Winston Blake was impossibly nice.

Winston didn't have to wait to be introduced to plant a fat kiss on your cheek; it was as if his soul simply connected with everyone he met along life's journey and his way of acknowledging that fusion of the spirit was with a fleeting, but impactful kiss in which his lips brushed lightly against your cheek, as his eyes twinkled in delight at your 'what-the-hell-just-happened?' expression.

As Fernande Price stated in her Facebook tribute: Will forever miss ur kisses."

Yardflex sends condolences to the friends, family and Merri-makers on the death of a legend.

With the sudden death of sound system giant and Kingston College old boy, Winston Blake of thelegendary Merritone Sond System, party-goers have been posting their tributes all over social media in tribute of a great man.

Read a selection below:

soulselector Blessings to the Blake family on the passing of the peerless Mr. Winston Blake---a true Foundation Man of Jamaican music.

Jangas Like Byron Lee, a musical institution. Will miss his regal entries on a Thrusday-night, decked-out in flowing robe and martching tie-head. Not to mention his selections, his horns, and his descant sing-alongs. Rest well 'Merri'. You have made us all merry.

NoMore_MarioDeanYes sir!! A great innings, well played. Marvelous works brethren, just marvelous. Those merritone sessions bwoy, good, good music and pure mellow vibes. A Great! Great Jamaican without a doubt. Well done sir! Let out the music selectors!! Nuff music, few tears. Stepped out for awile but Never to be forgotten.

wes taylor Well played my Brother. You were part of my happy and joyous youth. From Springfield in St. Thomas, to Copa, Peyton Place, Wembley (Dunoon High), Red Hills Road, New York and so many marvelous sessions. You will be missed but your music and Memories lives on in my heart. ONE LOVE Wes (bunny toe) Taylor

Juney I loved partying with the one and only Merritone too...From JA to New York...RIP Mr Music Man...

General89 My taught and prayrrs to the family.we have lost a giant RIP my friend

AvatarFond memories of the happy times at the Turntable Club on Red Hills Rd in the 70"s. Merritone was undoubtedly the best in dance and party music selection.....Nuff respect!..RIP...

Tony tuffWas always a pleasure to listen to this brother play and yes those n y sessions will never be forgotten .rip WB

Legendary sound system operator, Winston 'Merritone' Blake, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St Andrew, Saturday morning. He was 75.

His friend and neighbour, Michael Hall, said Blake suffered a stroke in January and was recuperating at home. However, on Wednesday he was admitted to UHWI after complaining of not feeling well. Things took a turn for the worst on Friday and he died today at 5:30 am.

Blake was also a music producer and promoter of talent contests that helped to launch the careers of his wife Cynthia Schloss and Beres Hammond. He produced several of Schloss' hit songs including Love Forever and Surround me With Love. She died in 1999.

Blake was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government in 1995. He is survived by brothers Trevor and Monty (Tyrone died in 2012)

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has emerged winners at Thursday's general election and will form the next Government of Jamaica.

The victorious party which is led by Andrew Holness, secured 32 of the 63 seats in Parliament, while the PNP won 31. Holness' wife, Juliette, a first-timer, also won her seat and will walk into parliament with her husband for the swearing-in ceremony.

This is Holness' first general election win and the party has been in full celebration mode since Thursday evening.

Thursday's defeat is the second general election disappointment for the ruling party led by Portia Simpson Miller. The PNP also lost the 2007 election.

This was Jamaica's 17th parliamentary election since the country gained Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944, and the 13th since Independence in 1962.

"As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Leo Messi believes in the child's right to play and the transforming power of sport in children's lives," UNICEF said. "All the items were signed by Messi himself. Both jerseys carried the message, 'Con mucho carino, Leo.'(Translation: "With much love, Leo"). The football was signed 'Leo.'"

Murtaza was "very happy" and is now asking his family to "only call him Messi," according to his 15-year-old brother Hamayon Ahmadi.

Hamayon told ABC News today he was the one who took the viral photos of his little brother in the plastic bag Messi jersey. He explained that his little brother was "crazy" about Messi at the time and kept asking his father for a Messi jersey.

"My father did not have enough money to buy it," Hamayon said, adding that his father didn't make much as a farmer. "So one day, I just made a jersey from a plastic bag."

Hamayon said soccer is just one of the few ways he and his brother "try and stay happy" despite "constant war and violence" in their village.

"Everyday someone is killed by the brutal Taliban," he said. "This is our life, always war and violence."

Hamayon said no one in his family has been hurt, but many of his friends have been killed by the Taliban.

He added that he hopes his little brother's story will help encourage peace in the country.

"I love my homeland," he said. "But how long do we have to tolerate the violence? A peaceful life should be our right."

Jamaica-born American epidemiologist, Michelle Williams, is to take over in July, as head of Public Health in one of the world's top universities, Harvard.

Williams who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, migrated to New York with her family at age seven.

According to the Boston Globe, Williams will be the first black person to lead a graduate school at Harvard and the first woman to head the public health school.

Williams is excited about her new endeavour.

"I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to lead the Harvard Chan School, and grateful to President Faust for inviting me to serve in this role at such a crucial moment for public health in the United States and around the world," Williams said.

She has won awards for teaching and mentoring from Harvard, the University of Washington, the American Public Health Association, and the White House.

"Michelle Williams is an eminent epidemiologist, an outstanding teacher and mentor, and an energising leader and institutional citizen, impassioned about the power of public health to change people's lives for the better," said Harvard President, Drew Faust in announcing the appointment.

Williams said she hopes to elevate understanding and appreciation of public health, a discipline she said "is everywhere and nowhere at the same time."

The wife of reggae artiste, Nesbeth, will be laid to rest at a funeral servove tp be held on Saturday, March 12 at the New Life Assembly of God Church, 148 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8.

The 'nine-night' will be held on Friday, March 11 at Paradise Court in Arnett Gardens.

Nesbeth's wife Ann-Marie Elliot, died last Wednesday in the United States (U.S) of undisclosed complications.

Nesbeth who was slated to perform at the recently concluded Youth View Awards (YVA's) canceled his performance as a result of his wife's death.

An official statement from the artiste's management team stated that he was asking for privacy during this time but that he is thankful for the great show of love he has been receiving.

"The family of the singer would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt love and continued support in this time of grief while requesting that their privacy be respected as they bereave a great loss," the release stated.

Jamaicans head to the polls to elect a new government, today, with voting set to begin at 7.00 a.m.

There are 1.82 million electors registered to cast ballots.

As for the candidates - 152 who will be vying for votes - 63 each for the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, seven candidates from the National Democratic Movement, nine from other parties, and 10 independent candidates.

Police personnel in St Thomas are prepared to tackle the most challenging scenarios as Jamaica goes to the polls to elect a new Government today.

According to Superintendent of Police Beau Rigabie, his regular team will be boosted by a detail from Mobile Reserve and a detachment from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), as the parish bolsters its law enforcement assets ahead of the general election.

He said he will have "385 police officers" at his disposal to carry out broad-based operational functions, including manning 257 polling stations in the bi-sect of St Thomas Western and St Thomas Eastern.

The incumbent candidate for the eastern divide of the parish, the People's National Party's (PNP) Dr Fenton Ferguson faces off with his Opposition challenger Delano Seiveright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for the seat in the new Parliament, while councillor Marsha Francis of the PNP is seeking to unseat the JLP's James Robertson on the western end.

Also in the race in St Thomas Western is Robert Cover of the Marcus Garvey People's Progressive Party.

Rigabie, who was recently transferred from the Westmoreland Police Division, said the police have catalogued a number of potentially explosive polling areas and have devised strategies to safeguard and respond if that becomes necessary.

Bonafide, the Las Vegas-based reggae band whose roots run deep in Jamaica, is currently in promotion mode as they present their latest single, Jamaican Girl, a song which pays homage to the irresistible island woman, of whom they note, "everytime you're around it's sunshine weather".

The group comprises brothers Jr. Rootz (vocals/drums); Bass Wayne (bass/vocals); Ricky Dread (keyboards/vocals) and Mikey Gits (Guitar), all of whom are longstanding ambassadors of good music generously mixed with philanthropy. In the past they have used proceeds from their CD sales to donate money for the welfare of displaced battered mothers, therefore it's only natural that Bonafide would record a song that uplifts women.

Jamaican Girl, which is on the group's B-RAZ Records imprint, will be released on all digital platforms this week and if the awesome response to the pre-release is anything to go by, then Bonafide has a bonafide hit on their hands.

"This is a positive, conscious message that we are sending to all the brothers out there to treat your woman with the respect and love that she truly deserves and at the same time to empower women of all ages to understand just how important it is to accept nothing but the best treatment from men," lead singer, Junior Rootz declared, adding that he was encouraged by the love being shown to the single by the music fraternity.

A highly sought after act, Bonafide has performed on several tours and festivals including Reggae on the River, Pure Aloha and, for five consecutive years, they have graced the stage of Jamaica's largest music festival, Reggae Sumfest, held annually in their hometown of Montego Bay. This has afforded them the opportunity to share stages with Usher, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and John Legend. The band has toured the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Bonafide is more than a band which plays awesome music, the members have a genuine interest in playing their part in making the world a better place. They donated the proceeds of their 2013 album, One Wish to the Las Vegas community - the people who lost their homes in the US mortgage crisis and they continue this work of helping the homeless and have also included Iraq war veterans and the native people of Peach Tree on their list. In Jamaica, Bonafide has donated computers and footballs to schools, they have repaired school bathrooms and the group currently has 50 iPads to distribute to schools in Jamaica when they arrive in July.

All this has been achieved through their Across The Bridge Foundation.

Luciano "The Messenger" will appear on the We Are Reggae stage on Saturday, February 27, at the Beach Bar, Doctors Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Luciano performs his first unplugged and up-close set in Montego Bay, fresh off his Grammy Awards nomination for Best Reggae Album at this year's Grammy Awards. Jepther McClymont born in Manchester popularly known as "The Messenger" or "Jah Messenger" has received two Grammy Awards nominations, the first in 2002 for his VP Records' album A New Day and this year's Zion Awake.

Luciano was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer on October 15, 2007 in recognition of his contribution to reggae music by the Government of Jamaica. His signature hits, It's Me Again Jah, One Way Ticket, Sweep Over My Soul, Who Could It Be as well as his firebrand of Rastafari has raised him to the position of Elder Statesman. Luciano is also the consummate performer.

This month's We Are Reggae unplugged also introduces American R&B/Soul recording artiste and entertainment attorney-at-law Priscilya Marie. She was signed to Dark Child Production Company along with her gospel group as a teenager winning the McDonald's Gospelfest. Priscilya Marie made her debut as a solo recording artiste in September 2015 with her new EP entitled #NoFilter, which is available online.

Doctor Bright, who recently released the track Pretty Jamaica will also grace the We Are Reggae stage. He has performed at Germany's SummerJam Festival and toured Scandinavia in 2009.

Gates open at 8pm, showtime 10pm. Tickets are $2000 presold, $2500 at the gate and are available at Fontana Fairview, El Paso Sam Sharpe Square, www.urticketpro.com.

Dancehall trendsetter Ishawna has walked away with two coveted awards in the 2016 staging of the Youth View Awards held last Saturday night at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The Downsound records signed act was nominated in four categories; Fashion Icon - Female, Favorite Local Female Artist, Young Hot & Hype Female and Favorite Musical Collaboration for the single 'Answer Me' featuring Masicka. Ishawna walked away with the awards for Fashion Icon and Young Hot and Hype Female.

The Dancehall fashionista has turned heads consistently with her style over the years and has been the topic of consistent conversations for her bold and unique style choices.

"My style is eclectic. I work with mood and vibes that I'm feeling, that tells me what I'm rocking today. I do things my way regardless of what others think. I'm not afraid to take risks with my fashion or my music" Ishawna explained

The risks ultimately paid off as her fans voted her the Fashion Icon Female and Young Hot and Hype Female for 2015.

Dressed in a regal black jeweled piece at the actual ceremony on Saturday, Ishawna turned heads on the red carpet with the semi transparent piece. She was however quite surprised by her win.

"I was a little startled. I didn't expect to win. But it does feel good. I'd like to say thanks to my fans for their support I really couldn't have done it without them. I just want to celebrate this win with my fans." Ishawna added

Musically, Ishawna will be performing at the BritJam Festival on March 11 in Montego Bay, before heading out for her European tour in May.

Blues on the Green, an annual free concert staged by the United States Embassy,set for Friday is yet another entertainment event which has had to change dates having fallen within days of the election.

A new date has not yet been released.

The occasion should have featured R&B artiste Fantasia.

In a release yesterday, the US Embassy said the postponement was due to the February 25 election.

"Due to logistical issues arising from our original plans to stage the concert the day after Jamaica's general election, the US Embassy and our partners have decided to postpone Blues on the Green 2016," read the statement.

Blues on the Green showcases American culture through musical performances by top musicians, and rising Jamaican talent. Now in its 24th year, has seen a steady stream of acts perform at the annual show. Last year, a capella group Sweet Honey in the Rock was the guest performer.

Bouvier Clark, the widow of Bunny Rugs, the former lead vocalist, musician, and songwriter of the world famous Reggae band, reportedly says she has been ignored and disrespected by the Third World members in charge of the band's business affairs.

According to the contents of a release, on July 18, 2014, a court in the State of Florida appointed Mrs Clark personal representative of the estate of William Clark aka "Bunny Rugs" with full power to administer his estate according to law. This court order entitles Mrs Clark to demand, sue for, recover and receive all property belonging to William "Bunny Rugs" Clark.

Mrs. Clark, the reported release says, contends that over the past two years numerous attempts have been made to communicate with members of the Third World band by her and by various attorneys representing her.

The release claims that despite several promises, there has been no business arrangement details provided or disclosed, nor has there been any payments or accounting made by the band to the Clark estate.

An upcoming artiste who goes by the name Real Overdose, is reported to have planned and executed his own funeral, while still being very much alive.

Clearly, this was a publicity stunt gone very wrong. A;ready, many are saying that Overdose must have overdosed on something to come up with something as macabre as this.

Picture this: Overdose lies inside a real coffin pretending to be dead, as the body is carried inside a church?

According to the report, "community members say persons were out in their numbers to witness the unbelievable display of "madness". On the scene was a hearse, wreaths, mourners and even a coffin in which the up-coming artiste laid comfortably.

"How can someone play with death and put them self in dead coffin? Smh," one social media user commented.

"People he's an upcoming artist seeking publicity... so yes it works!! Whether u talk good or bad you still talk so he's getting the publicity he aimed at.. #missionAccomplished," another said.

A wake also took place the night before the artiste's 'home-going' service.

Seven Jamaica Labour Party supporters were shot yesterday evening shortly after 7 o'clock during an attack by gunmen in Canterbury, St. James. A teenager is among the injured.

Head of the St. James Police, Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor, said that the individuals are aligned to the JLP candidate for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke. He explained that the group had stopped at a shop for drinks when a silver car drove by, from which shots were fired. Two of the seven persons are considered serious.

In the meantime, Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang is worried that the incident will have repercussions. He questioned the timing of the upsurge in violence while noting that politics is often used to cover inter-gang rivalry. Mr. Chang also expressed concern about reprisals.

A total of 24,721 or 63% of special services voters cast their ballots yesterday ahead of the general elections on Thursday.

This represents a decrease from 68.3% in the 2011 polls. Of the 10,041 JCF members on the list, 5,322 or 53% cast their votes, down from 56.2% at the last polls.

In the case of the military, 930 cast their ballots, from a possible 2,569, or 36%, which is less than the 39.8% in 2011.

Orrette Fisher, Director of Elections, has reported that the voting process went smoothly yesterday.

There was also a reduction in the number of election day workers who cast their votes. From a list of 26, 498, some 70%, or 18,469 voted, down from 74.6% in the 2011 elections.

Voting for police, military and election day workers takes place three days before the rest of the population. Special service voters' ballots are placed in individual envelopes, which are then sorted the night after they vote, and will be counted on election day, along with the ballots cast by civilian non-election day workers.

While the Electoral Office has determined how many ballots have been received, there is no indication of how the electors have voted as the envelopes remain sealed until the counting on election day.

Head of the Area One Police Division, Assistant Commissioner Winchroy Budhoo, says the attack on a group of opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters on Kings Street in St James late Monday, was gang related.

According to Budhoo, the area remains tense and additional police personnel will be sent to the area to maintain calm.

The shooting earlier sparked a road block by residents.The road is now clear.

The police report that a group of party supporters was standing along the road having drinks when a car drove up and shortly afterwards a man got out and started firing.

The fight and backlash against natural hair is real - real disgusting! And once again, yet another story of young women being attacked for their natural tresses has gone mainstream.

According to Wapa.TV, , a high school student at CR Walker in the Bahamas, was told by her principal that her natural hair was "untidy, ungroomed, and unkept," which violates school rules. Deleveaux and several other students are also alleging that they were not only reprimanded for simply rocking their natural curls but suspended and threatened with expulsion if they did not straighten their hair. Although the school denies the allegations, Delveveax's mother took to Facebook to share her daughters story and the outrage she felt over such punishment, explaining that Tayjah's hair "does not affect her brain." "What could possibly be so wrong with this hairstyle?!" she wrote. "SHE IS A BLACK CHILD WITH THICK NATURAL HAIR!!!!"

Once the post went viral, the controversy sparked girls all over the world to use the hashtag #SupportThePuff with a photo of their own beautifully textured tresses in support of women and girls loving their natural hair.

In addition to the millions of hashtags that have surfaced on the internet in the past two days, an online natural hair petition was also created in support of the students. "This petition has been created in support of those students and we encourage you the potential voter to consider the damaging effects of telling our precious darlings that in the year 2016, their hair is not good enough to be worn naturally," the site reads.

Hype Hair also reports that the country's ministry of education responded to the comments regarding the issue, saying, "We are fully cognisant of the sensitivity of this matter and are confident that after review with the school administrator, the school board and the individuals involved, the matter will be amicably resolved."

President Barack Obama on Saturday responded to a video of a little girl bursting into tears when she found out Obama wouldn't be president for much longer.

"But I'm not ready for a new president yet," the little girl, with tears streaming down her face told her grandmother in the video.

In a Facebook comment on the video posted by the girl's grandmother, Caprina Harris, the president told the young girl, who shares a birthday with Obama, that once he left office, he wasn't going anywhere.

"Caprina, tell her to dry her tears, because I'm not going anywhere. Once I leave the White House, I'll still be a citizen just like her," Obama wrote.

"And when she grows up, she can get involved right alongside me. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for her letter, and we'll always get to celebrate our birthdays together!"

Louis Farrakhan closed out the Nation of Islam's annual Saviour's Day convention in Detroit this weekend with a speech comparing sports stars to slaves, attacking police for their treatment of Beyonce and calling in the black community to make Detroit the new Mecca.

'Please don't put up another basketball court and think you're giving back to the back community,' said Farrakhan during his remarks.

'Basketball courts are a training ground for a basketball plantation.'

He then added that spectators watching people play sports are just like men sizing up slaves back in the day.

'Well, that's that what you do in sports. You run up and down the field, show them how swift you are, how clever you are,' he said.

Farrakhan also spoke about improving Detroit, and making it a new holy city.

'Detroit can be the new Mecca,' said Farrakhan.

'It can be great, great city. And it's 83 percent black.

'You don't have to move out to the white community. Instead of moving out of the hood, let's make the hood what we desire it to be.'

He then added; 'Look at all the old homes going for five, 10, 15, $20,000.

'All they need is someone to take them over, fix them up, and give them some love.

'Don't go moving off into white neighborhoods. Look at your own neighborhoods and make them hoods we desire.'

Farrakhan, 82, also both praised and attacked police during his speech.

After praising Beyonce for her Super Bowl performance, which paid tribute to the Black Panthers and Farrakhan's mentor Malcolm X, Farrakhan blasted those who police forces that have said that will now ban Beyonce, who he called 'my sweet sister.'

'You won't offer her police protection, but the FOI will,' said Farrakhan, referring to the Fruit of Islam, which provides the NOI's security.

At the same time he had nothing but kind things to say about Detroit Police Chief James E. Craig, who provided a motorcade for the group's leaders to the convention.

Farrakhan praised rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West as well for speaking out on social issues.

'Say what you feel. Put it out there!' he said.

He attacked both political parties too during his speech, saying; 'You have made no progress under Democrats.

'I don't know why you're such a slave. Figure out what did they do for you, when what you have given to the Democratic Party.'

Republicans meanwhile were accused of writing and passing laws that deny blacks the same opportunities as whites.

And he urged medical marijuana dispensaries to make a bid so that they could legally operate in the city.

'And that's good because medical marijuana could be used to help people who are being addicted to prescription drugs. God made the weed. I used to smoke it, too,' he said.

'But when I smoked it there was a divine reason: "God made it. It has to be good."'

He then began laughing as he told the audience; 'Stop lying to yourself.'

The members of the West Indies Under-19 team have been implored by one legendary cricketer Curtley Ambrose to strive for success at the senior level.

The former pacer has warned the youngsters against fading into the lost pages of history and has challenged them to build on their amazing achievement.

"This is just the right step in the right direction and I want to say to the young players to remain focussed and continue to play hard so they take the next step up which is international cricket," noted Ambrose who took 405 wickets in 98 test matches.

The West Indies beat India by five wickets to win the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh, having lost in the final in 2004 against Pakistan.

The controversy that has surrounded England-based player Christopher Lewis representing Jamaica at the World Table Tennis Championship in Malaysia, is now being handled as a legal matter.

Lewis was expected to have joined Michael Hyatt, Mark Phillips and Kane Watson at their final training camp in California but is yet to secure a Jamaican passport which would make him eligible to compete for the country.

President of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association Godfrey Lothian says failure by Lewis to secure his Jamaican passport would mean the team would have to field a three member contingent as it would probably be too late to name a replacement.

On February 19, Assassin aka Agent Sasco released his first studio album in almost a decade entitled The Theory Of Reggaetivity, a marked departure from his dancehall-driven releases - Infiltration (2005) and Gully Sit'n (2007).

From Los Angeles to New York to Kingston - Assassin recorded the album across the globe and worked with a variety of producers - Niko Browne, Diggy British (Protoje), The Drum Keyz, Theo Butler, Sting International, MLMG, Sound Cheq, Silly Walks, W. Thompson and Chimney Records - to provide a live music texture of majestic trumpets, and heavy one-drop bassline rhythms reminiscent of the style pioneered by the genre's legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown. Assassin also co-produced "Day In Day Out," "J-O-B," "Africa" and "Crazy" under his Sound Age Entertainment.

The album's title, a play on words, makes a nod to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Setting the tone of the album, the title track and "Reggae Origin," examine the birth of reggae beyond its pioneers.

Assassin's description is more scientific because he questions the possibilities of reggae playing a role in the Big Bang and the vibration of weather patterns as the building blocks of the genre, which inherently are building blocks of life. Given reggae's reputation of being by the people and for the people, he carries the tradition of a messenger by reaching people on a human level, incorporating more live instrumentation and harmonizing than he has done on any of his previous material.

On February 5th, 2016, Sadiki I released his first single off his upcoming album titled 'My Story.' The hip- hop reggae tune features the vocal genius of veteran reggae artist Junior 'One Blood' Reid. The single will be released on Mystic Lion Entertainment, distributed by VPAL and is available for purchase on iTunes and other digital platforms.

Sadiki I was born, Jevon White, on the small island of Montserrat in the West Indies where his father, George Buffonge, was a respected concert promoter. As a child, the young Jevon often found himself surrounded by influential reggae and calypso artists, including his own godfather, Arrow, of "Hot Hot Hot" fame.

"Sadiki I" which means "faithful" in Swahili, made a successful debut on the Dancehall scene with his album, I Man See Judgment. He used the next couple of years as his time to grow as an artist, finding his own unique style, combining reggae and hip-hop and elevating his skills as a composer and emcee. His mixtape, Sadiki I a.k.a Crazy Horse Vol.1, which was hosted by the world renowned DJ Saki, hit hard and he soon captured the attention of the international reggae circuit, recording and performing with reggae stars Terry Ganzie and Mr. Easy, among others.

In 2013 he released his EP, The Book of Sadiki I: The Prologue; his singles, "The World is Mine" and "Economic Bubble" hit number one and two respectively on the underground hip hop charts. In 2014 he performed a knockout show at the Montserrat Reggae Festival sharing the stage with his friends, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel.

In 2016 Sadiki I embarks on the musical journey of his life. 'My Story' is a true blueprint of his life. The powerful lyrics and deep content are sure to make waves in the industry. Sadiki I's story is the stuff legends are made of.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has announced that it will be ready to accept applications for ganja licenses for Monday, April 4, 2016. The regulations that will allow for the granting of licenses have now been drafted and are currently being reviewed ahead of finalisation and approval, which is expected in the next two weeks. These regulations will immediately allow for the publishing of application forms as well as the furnishing of information to potential licensees on eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of licenses.

Under the regulations, eleven types of licenses across five main categories will be made available to interested persons - cultivator, transportation, processing, retailing, and R&D - ensuring coverage over the entire value chain for the medicinal marijuana industry. The regulations make special provisions for small farmers, cooperatives, and small-scale processors to participate in the industry with distinct requirements and licensing fee structures in place. Residency requirements and local participation in companies have also been included as a critical component of participation in this nascent industry. Licenses will also be available for importation for research under conditions stipulated by the CLA.

As a special concession to ensure the participation of small growers in the new industry, the CLA will waive the up-front payment of licensing fees for this category of licensee for the first year of operations. Once the interim regulations have been agreed, the Authority will continue its consultations, including the hosting of a series of town-hall meetings across the island, where it hopes to gather additional information to refine the licensing regime and build-out the full industry management framework that will underpin the emergence of Jamaica's new, legal ganja industry.

With this done, the Authority expects to be able to put forward an expanded and more comprehensive set of regulations by May 2016 that will seek to address other areas of the industry. "We made a commitment to the people of Jamaica that the Cannabis industry would be in place by the end of the fiscal year, and we will meet that commitment," said Dr. Andre Gordon, Chairman of the CLA.

G. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, who has portfolio responsibility for the Authority, noted his pleasure with the pace with which the nine-month old agency has delivered on its mandate.

The community of Lladeway in St Thomas is in mourning following the suspected suicide death of the loss of 17 year-old Andel Bennett, who is suspected to have taken his own life early Saturday morning.

According to a report from the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Andel was found around 6am, hanging by his neck from a piece of rope that was tied to a tree near the yard.

The teen, who was found by a horrified relative, had purportedly been seen alive about an hour before his body was discovered.

Chairman of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Garnett Roper has reported that one of the company's bus drivers has been hospitalised after he was beaten, allegedly by a group of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters.

A report has been made to the police.

"The reports we received are that the driver was carrying a group of supporters from the JLP when they attempted to remove a section of the emergency exit," Roper is quoted as saying.

According to Roper, the driver instructed the men to stop and he was attacked and beaten.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Colin Campbell says the State-owned bus company will bill the Jamaica Labour Party for the repairs to the 22 buses that were damaged when the party chartered them to transport supporters to its mass rally in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew yesterday.

Campbell said all but one of the 22 damaged buses have been repaired so far.

"In most cases they have damaged the vents in the roof of the buses to be able to get on to the roof," Campbell said in a news release Monday.

The managing director said the JUTC requires better behaviour from party supporters.

Diagnosing Swine Flu

Your doctor can make a diagnosis by sampling fluid from your body. To take a sample, your doctor or a nurse may swab your nose or throat.

The swab will be analyzed using various genetic and laboratory techniques to identify the specific type of virus.

Treating Swine Flu

Most cases of swine flu don't require medication for treatment. You don't need to see a doctor unless you're at risk for developing medical complications from the flu. You should focus on relieving your symptoms and preventing the spread of the H1N1 to other people.

Two antiviral drugs are recommended for treating swine flu: the oral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Because flu viruses can develop resistance to these drugs, they're often reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. People who are otherwise generally healthy and get swine flu will be able to fight the infection on their own.

Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus that usually only infects pigs. Unlike typhus, which can be transmitted by lice or ticks, transmission usually occurs from person to person, not animal to person.

You can't catch swine flu from eating pork products.

Swine flu is very contagious. The disease is spread through saliva and mucus particles. People may spread it by:

sneezing

coughing

touching a germ-covered surface and then touching their eyes or nose

Part 4 of 9: Symptoms

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are very much like those of regular influenza. They include:

When it first emerged, swine flu was most common in young adults. This was unusual because most flu viruses attack older adults or the very young. Today, risk factors for getting swine flu are the same as for any other strain of the flu. You're most at risk if you spend time in an area with a large number of people who are infected with swine flu.

Some people are at higher risk for becoming seriously ill if they're infected with swine flu. These groups include:

adults over age 65

children under 5 years old

young adults under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

people with compromised immune systems (due to a disease such as AIDS)

pregnant women

people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or neuromuscular disease

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs, but is spread primarily from person to person.

Swine flu made headlines in 2009 when it was first discovered in humans and became a pandemic. Pandemics are contagious diseases affecting people throughout the world or on multiple continents at the same time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 pandemic over in August of 2010. Since then, the H1N1 virus has been known as a regular human flu virus. It continues to spread during flu season like other strains of the flu. The flu shot developed each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) usually includes a vaccination against a type of H1N1 virus.

Like other strains of the flu, H1N1 is highly contagious, allowing it to spread quickly from person to person. A simple sneeze can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air. The virus can linger on tables and surface areas like door knobs, waiting to be picked up.

The best means of dealing with swine flu is to prevent it. Hand sanitization is important to stop the spread of the virus, and staying away from infected people will help stop person-to-person transmission.

The US Embassy Kingston has announced that the 'Queen of RockSoul,' Fantasia Barrino will be this year's headline performer at its signature cultural event: Blues on the Green 2016.

With hits such as I Believe, When I See You, and Truth Is, Fantasia's performance promises to celebrate the beauty and depth of the African-American experience.

The theme for this year is the shared motto of the United States and Jamaica: Out of many, one!

The event will be held on Friday, February 26, at Emancipation Park in St Andrew; with free admission all are invited to attend the musical showcase.

Seating begins at 6pm and the show kicks off at 7 pm.

Blues on the Green 2016 will also showcase performances by Jamaica's own reggae-dancehall fusion singer/songwriter Christopher Martin and roots-rock-reggae band RagingFyah.

Blues on the Green commemorates African-American History Month, (Black History Month).

Every February, Americans reflect on the contributions of African-Americans to our society and our ongoing efforts to deliver our Founders' democratic promise to all citizens.

In an issued release from the US Embassy, the agency stated that this is why it is proud to present this year's concert together with RESPECT Jamaica and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth & Culture.

"In the spirit of inclusiveness, we are asking those attending to bring educational or learning items, formula, or diapers to donate to the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre to help the teen mothers under their care. Center representatives will be on hand to accept donations," the release added.

Shortly after, Chynn's sister Tessanne reposted the image and seemed every bit excited for the new addition:

"And on top of having an amazing time at an amazing wedding,I get to finally release this secret !!! I'm gonna be an Aunty again !!! Congrats @iamtamichynn @waynemarsheezy #GladBagBussFiTrue #AuntyTess #GodIsGreat !!!!"

The two married in 2010 after four years of dating. They are proud parents to two sons: Giomar (from Marshall's previous relationship with Regina Macallum) and Jaxen Benjamin.

A major stand-off in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on Friday afternoon involving the police and an ex-member of the Jamaica Defence Force resulted in roads in the middle of the town being blocked by protesting bystanders.

The dispute started shortly after 2pm when the police, who were carrying out routine checks, confronted a motorist who was accused of operating an illegal taxi. The driver of the vehicle, an ex-soldier, reportedly objected to being arrested.

This led to a major stand off between him and the police.

A video recording of the incident, showed the man resisting the police while boisterous bystanders registered their support for him.Head of Operations in the St. Catherine North Police Division, Superintendent Ralsford Hardy said the ex-soldier was eventually arrested and is in custody.

He said a gun was also seized in the incident and charges will be laid against the ex-solider.

The interim report on bad gas in the petroleum retail trade is now complete and will submitted to Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell on Monday.

The report was compiled by the Petroleum Trade Reform Committee which was set up to probe the source of the contaminated fuel.

Chairman of the Committee, Noel daCosta, says the group is also seeking to find out who is responsible for the bad gas which caused widespread contamination in the market.

"This is just an interim report but we expect the Minister to give us some feedback to the direction to go in once he looks at it.....the immediate issue was the presence of bad gas in the market and how it got there,"daCosta said.

He also said complaints collected by the Consumer Affairs Commission were included in the report.

The final report is to be submitted following the Energy Minister's review.

The ruling People's National Party (PNP) believes that its candidate for West Central St Andrew, Patrick Roberts, has a good chance of defeating the incumbent in the constituency, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.

Roberts, the founder of Shocking Vibes Records and councillor for the Molynes Gardens division of the constituency, lost by 1,039 votes to Holness in the 2011 General Election.

He is expected to do better against the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader this time around, against the background of his performance as a councillor and a strong campaign team that includes former JLP MP Joan Gordon-Webley.

Delano Franklyn, campaign spokesperson of PNP, declared the party's intention in the constituency at a press conference earlier this week.

"The primary objective is to ensure that we retain all 42 seats and to win others where we can, and one of those that we are focusing on as best as we can, because we believe that we have a real chance in that particular constituency, is the one where the incumbent is currently the leader of the Opposition... we will be doing every thing that we can to bring that constituency into the willing column of the PNP," Franklyn said.

A team from the private sector tasked with reviewing the opposition Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) tax proposal has punched holes in the suggested reforms and has concluded that it will not work.

The three page document titled "Assessment of PAYE Reform Proposals-Private and Confidential" assessed the JLP's proposal to remove personal income tax from the salaries of those earning up to $1.5m annually and it found the proposal wanting on various levels.

First the tax team assessed if the proposal was equitable and certain....and said it is not. It said is borne out in the fact that people earning a few hundred thousand dollars more than the $1.5 million may be worse off than those earning that sum...because of the tax they would have to pay.

It did an assessment on two salary levels...one earning $1. 5 million now...and the other earning $1,592,800

It says excluding the impact of other statutory deductions...the person earning more money would take home $157,000 because of his tax liability with the JLP's proposal.

The tax team said given that distortionary impact...people earning up to $1. 8 million may ask their employees for a salary cut, just to take home more money.

The team said the proposal would discourage people from seeking more money either from bonus, overtime, promotion or pay increases which may marginally increase their annual income above $1.5 million .The team said the same issue would arise for those earning marginally above $5 million.

Those people would be required to pay tax on all their income without a threshold...and may also request a pay cut to ensure more money is available to take home.

The tax team says such moves may create "significant headaches for payroll administrators" who would have to contend with shifting tax obligations for employees who may earn monies over the tax threshold.

The private sector tax team says JLP's tax proposal not feasible and it would be better if the government revisits the Private Sector Working Group's tax proposals which were submitted in 2012...because that document is clearly a more preferable approach to income tax reform.

Dancehall artiste Furtyle Brain is generating major international attention with his inclusion on the February15th edition of the popular Ripley's Believe it or Not!.

Last year, the artiste made the unprecedented move to implant a pair of goat horns in his head. But that decision may be paying off with international recognition from the inclusion in the popular illustrated comic strip.

"I was really surprised when I was told I made Ripley's, I wasn't expecting it. When I checked my phone the day it was published, I was seeing a lot of missed calls, and then some elders start link me and say congratulations, dem see the ting in the paper, and in the evening, mi go buy a paper and see say the 'Hornboss' mek Ripley's, by night, it all over Facebook. This is like a huge deal," Furtyle Brain said.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! has been presenting the incredible and the unusual in illustrated form since Robert Ripley's first "Champs and Chumps" comic published on December 19, 1918.

Several comments on the comic's website expressed incredulity at the feat. One comments said: "Furtyle Brain, what the devil?', while another suggested "sounds like old Furtyle Brain is mostly manure', and yet another remarked that "Furtyle Brain could be a rapper's name'.

The Pocket Money deejay, whose real name is Kenardo Robinson, says he hired a Canadian-based surgeon to perform the surgery in Jamaica, that the surgery cost thousands of dollars, and he experienced severe pain with his implants which gives him occasional headaches.

He is known for the singles, Hunting Time on the Bad Indian 'riddim' for producer Dinearo and Fi Yu Body Gyal for Chase Mills Records.

The deejay's a new single, Get Gal Easy, was officially released on February 19.

It's no small feat to break into the competitive world of fashion design, but an even more astounding one to do so at the age of 10. Stacking the deck against her further still, Egypt Ufele, who goes by "Ify," was being bullied at school for her size.

Ify responded in the best possible way: she designed a line of clothing that includes plus-size fashions. The kicker? She's made it to New York Fashion Week - the only child designer to dress curvy models.

"People applaud me and tell me I'm good at fashion," Ify said. They used to tell her very different things, at least at her school in Queens.

"I was bullied and they called me all kinds of names. One time I got stabbed by a pencil," she said.

But Ify was determined to rise above, so she pulled out her grandmother's sewing machine and got to work on what soon became "Chubiline," which she describes as "bringing Africa to America, one design at a time."

She's certainly getting noticed. "When I see her line, I see a future in the fashion industry," said Preston Walker, owner and founder of Small Boutique Fashion.

As for Ify, she's happy to have shared such a positive message. "I turned negative attention into positive attention," she said. Break a leg, Ify!

Malachi Love-Robinson, an 18-year-old from Florida, was arrested on Tuesday for practising medicine without a licence, according to WPBF. He was taken into custody by authorities who ran an undercover operation. Love-Robinson was allegedly advertising himself as a doctor on Facebook, and other similar sites.

The undercover operation was issued by the Palm Beach Narcotics Task Force and the Florida Department of Health. A county official pretended to be a patient receiving "medical advice" from a faux doctor.

"I'm hurt because of all of these allegations," Robinson told WPBF. "This is not the first time I have been accused and I will pursue this, and when I do, you will be the first to know."

Robinson was swiftly arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license, and he was held with a $6,000 bail with no attorney mentioned, according to NBC Washington. His office, New Birth New Life Alternative Medicine and Urgent Care Clinic, allegedly consists of a staff of 'alternative medical professionals."

This isn't the first time, however, the teen has been charged with fraudulent medical practices. Back in January of last year, at 17 he was accused of posing as a doctor at St.Mary's Medical Center. "I requested to shadow physicians," he told reporters at the time. "Next thing I know, cops are there. That's all I know."

On Tuesday afternoon, the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office tweeted this:"Just because you saw a season of Grey's Anatomy doesn't mean you could practice medicine.

Congratulatory Message by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller on the Occasion of Morgan Heritage Winning the Grammy Award for the Best Reggae Album

I take this opportunity to congratulate Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage on the stellar achievement of winning one of music's most prestigious honours-the Grammy Awards. Winning your first Grammy for Best Reggae Album is an exceptional accomplishment for you as a music group, but it is also a moment of great national pride for all Jamaicans at home and abroad. We celebrate this great success with you.

For decades, our artistes and musicians have taken Jamaica to the world stage; carrying our culture to the farthest reaches of the globe. Reggae music is not only a longstanding flag bearer for the Jamaican culture, but it has also provided the stirring backdrop in the fight for social justice around the world. Moreover, every year many tourists visit to our Island, captivated by the magnetism of our music, the beauty of Jamaica and the great vibe of our people.

UNESCO's recent designation of Kingston as a Creative City of Music is due in no small part to the work of our artistes and musicians, who throughout generations, have honed their craft in urban centres and communities in rural Jamaica. There is no doubt that creativity is in the DNA of our people and part of the rich heritage of our great nation.

We will continue to work to make the cultural and creative industries a centrepiece of social and economic development.

The National Cultural and Creative Industries Commission, in the Office of the Prime Minister, has been working with participants in the sector. It has been guiding the process to facilitate the strategic development of the creative economy to help our people reap, more fully, the fruits of their creative genius.

So today, I pay tribute to Morgan Heritage, all the other talented Jamaican artistes who were nominated in this year's Grammy Awards, as well as our music pioneers who have laid a solid foundation for us to build this sector.

Mr Mojo of the Grammy-wining sibling group, Morgan Heritage was relaxing in Kenya, when he heard the good news that Morgan Heritage had won the reggae Grammy.

In an interview with a local tabloid Mr Mojo thanked all the players who helped to make this dream a reality.

"It's more glory to the Most High, His grace and mercy allow us to be here. We are glad for the opportunity to do music and to uplift the culture and uplift Rastafari. We are proud Jamaicans and proud Rastafarians," he declared.

"We thank our families for their love and support, it's their sacrifice that keeps us going; the fans who come to our concerts and buy our music; the people behind the music who make fans aware of our music, people like Contractor, Roach, Yasmine Peru, Ray Alexander, Malica from MPR Consultants, Naheesha from Urban Relations, general manager Wendy Morgan."

Mojo also said thanks to radio disc jockeys in Jamaica and abroad, fellow musicians, the media and others who may have impacted their career somehow.

"All of the reggae fraternity, locally and internationally, we give thanks. It's not a one-man show, it's all of us as musicians and we feel very proud at this time to be part of such a bunch of musicians promoting love, unity, equality and justice."

Meanwhile, later this week, he joins his siblings for a tour of the USA, taking in New York, the Carolinas, Boston and other areas, after which the band returns to Africa for performances in Kenya, Zimbabwe (hopefully), Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Senegal and other countries.

Until then, Mojo says he is just relaxing and enjoying the announcement.

Dancehall artiste, Gully Bop has apparent ditched his new manager, KArl Durrant, in favour of his ex, Shauna Chin.

It is still not a certainty that the two lovebirds are securely back in each other's arms, but Chin has confirmed that she is "helping out Bop until he finds a new manager."

"He and Karl Durrant had a falling out and so I'm helping him to get a new manager so he can get back on his feet. Bop and I are not getting back together but I still care about him and want to see things work out for the best for him so I'm helping him out with some things," Shauna Chin is reported as saying.

She went on to say that she will not be taking up the job as Bop's new manager as she doesn't want to complicate things between the two.

According to Gully Bop, who had an public brawl with Chin when they split a few weeks ago, "I am not signed to anyone innu so whatever Chin say a so it go."

Meanwhile, Karl Durrant says he was only helping out the 51 year-old deejay and that things have obviously come to an end.

"Right now, I'm no longer representing him in any way as far as business is concerned. I have nothing against him and wish him all the best in the future," he added.

Dancehall artiste, Nesbeth, is in mourning following the passing of his wife wife who died Wednesday night in the United States.

An official statement released by the artiste's management team stated that Nesbeth's wife, Ann-Marie Elliot died of undisclosed complications.

"The family of the singer would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt love and continued support in this time of grief while requesting that their privacy be respected as they bereave a great loss," the release stated.

The People's National Party (PNP) is insisting that Andrew Holnes, Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has more questions to answer, following his disclosures regarding his Beverly Hills, St. Andrew home.

Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday, Delano Franklyn, PNP Campaign Spokesman, said the Party has conducted its own investigation with the assistance of experts and has concluded that the figures presented do not add up.

Franklyn said the response was not a satisfactory one and raised further questions.

"We do not intend to spend a lot of time discussing anymore the issue having to do with his house - but some areas are unsatisfactory. His quotation of 52 million dollars is not in keeping with experts in the field..."

On Monday, Holness said the construction of his house was financed through savings, salary, bank loans and suppliers' credit.

Franklyn said the PNP has other concerns about the loans secured by Holness from financial institutions.

The PNP wants to know if they were secured or un-secured loans; "and if they were secured loans, what assets were used to secure these particular loans."

Beverly Prince, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for St. Andrew East Central, has declared her intention to file a report with the police on Thursday, following an incident in which a man fired shots while her campaign team was in the constituency on Wednesday.

According to Prince, the incident took place in Kencot.

She said she was doing door-to-door campaigning when several gunshots were heard. Shortly afterwards, she said, a man rode up on a bicycle, informed her group that it was he who had fired the shots, and declared that "no Labourite" was welcome in that neighbourhood, before riding off.

However, the Cupertino company may tell the court it's unable to comply with the request as the nature of its encryption technology makes it impossible to do so. Such a response was used by Apple in a case last October when it told a New York judge it couldn't unlock an iOS device running iOS 8 or higher. The work phone of Syed Rizwan Farook, the San Bernadino shooter whose handset the FBI is trying to access, runs iOS 9. Apple introduced the tougher system in 2014 with the launch of iOS 8 following Edward Snowden's government surveillance revelations.

Judge Pym's court order marks the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between tech firms and policy makers over privacy and security in the digital world. Apple chief Tim Cook has stated on many occasions his support for unbreakable encryption for users. The CEO vehemently opposes granting investigators access to private data held on Apple's mobile devices, an act the company says would damage customer trust.

According to the Associated Press, which first reported Judge Pym's decision, investigators are hoping the phone's data will reveal information about who Farook and his wife communicated with and places they visited in lead up to the shooting. The pair were apparently careful to physically destroy two other personal handsets, preventing the FBI from extracting any information from them.

Speaking to members of Congress last week, FBI director James Comey touched on the case, saying his investigators had so far been unable to gain access to a phone connected with the San Bernardino shooting.

"It is a big problem for law enforcement armed with a search warrant when you find a device that can't be opened even when a judge says there's probable cause to open it," the FBI chief said, adding, "It affects our counterterrorism work....we still have one of those killers' phones that we have not been able to open, and it's been over two months and we're still working on it."

Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, gunned down 14 people on December 2 at an event for Farook's co-workers. The pair later died in a shootout with police. The FBI believes their attack was at least partly inspired by ISIS, as Malik's Facebook page showed a message pledging allegiance to the group.

As for Apple, it has five days to inform the LA court if it has an issue with its ruling.

Late Tuesday, Tim Cook offered a robust response to the ruling in an open letter to Apple customers.

He wrote that while Apple has worked hard with the FBI to help find out more about "this horrible crime," the security service has now asked the company "for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone."

Cook said the FBI wants Apple "to make a new version of the iPhone operating system" that would circumvent important security features to give it access to Farook's phone.

He even goes so far as to describe the implications of the government's demands as "chilling."

The CEO notes, "In the wrong hands, this software - which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession," ending with the message, "We are challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications."

The police have offered a reward of $500,000, even as they have launched a multi-agency probe into the disappearance of a Boston Whaler Vessel (motorboat) which was assigned to the Marine Police Division, and was discovered missing from where it was docked in Negril, Westmoreland on February 11.

A is also being offered for information leading to the recovery of the vessel, a grey 28-foot Boston Whaler boat with 'JCF 282' written on the side, and fitted with two 200-horsepower Yamaha engines.

Reports were that the vessel was last seen on Wednesday, February 10 about 10:30 pm., and was discovered missing the following Thursday at about 10:00 am. Since then, a diligent search operation has been on at all fishing beaches locally, with a view of locating the missing vessel.

In October last year, the United States Embassy handed over 10 boats to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to assist in the country's crime-fighting efforts at sea

The 37-foot Boston Whaler vessels, donated by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, are valued at US$1.5 million.

The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist with the investigations to contact the Marine Police Headquarters at 923-9728, the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) Headquarters at 922-4487, the police 119 emergency number, Crime Stop at 311 or 811, or the nearest police station.

Dr Phillips on Tuesday morning responded to questions asked of him by Jamaica Labour Party Leader Andrew Holness concerning the purchase of his house.

Dr Phillips, in a written statement, said he and his wife purchased the house in 1991 for $1.5 million, through a mortgage from Victoria Mutual Building Society.

The loan was repayable over 20 years, with monthly repayments over the period.

Below is the full text of the responses given by Dr. Phillips to each question:

Q 1. Dr Phillips, as a parliamentarian earning practically the same salary as the Leader of the Opposition, how did you afford the house you presently live in, which is valued at multiple times your salary?

A. My house was purchased by me and my wife (a practicing attorney-at-law) on the open market on June 21, 1991 for J$1,500,000 with mortgage funding from Victoria Mutual Building Society repayable over 20 years and repaid via monthly payments over that period in accordance with the mortgage terms.

Q 2. Were you a part of the Cabinet of Jamaica which created FINSAC, and which took away the property of many hard-working Jamaicans and decimated the entrepreneurial class?

A. Finsac Limited was incorporated on January 29, 1997 by the PNP administration of which I was a part to rescue the savings of many thousands of ordinary Jamaican depositors and policy holders whose savings were loaned by those institutions to entrepreneurs (borrowers) who were unable, unwilling or forgot to repay the money they borrowed. That rescue was funded with taxpayers' money which expenditure was recouped by realizing that property voluntarily mortgaged by the borrowers to the institutions as security for the money they borrowed.

Q 3. If the answer to question 2 is yes, did you acquire any of the properties taken over by FINSAC, or benefit in anyway whatsoever.

A. No.

Q4. Did members of the Cabinet that created FINSAC acquire properties taken over by FINSAC.

A. I am unable to speak for individual members of the Cabinet of the day, but expect each individual is able to speak for him or herself.

Q5. Do the answers to questions 2, 3 and 4 explain your unwillingness to complete and release the FINSAC report?

A. It is the FINSAC Commissioners, not me, who are to complete the report (having already been paid millions for their services). They have not done so or, if they have, they have not sent it to me. I am not withholding the FINSAC report from release. I cannot release something I have not received.

6. Do you own or have a beneficial interest in a house in Beverly Hills?

A. No.

7. Are there members the Cabinet who have offshore companies?

A. I do not have one. I have no knowledge of whether or not any other cabinet member has one. They can speak for themselves.

8. Will you declare any assets you have overseas?

A. I have no assets overseas and all my assets (and the assets of my spouse) have been declared annually in accordance with the law since 1989.

9. Will the officers of the PNP, including yourself, testify and come clean about Trafigura?

A. I have not been asked to testify. I believe that those who do testify will do so truthfully.

Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown has intervened in the squabble between the leaders of the two main political parties ahead of the February 25 general election.

Parchment Brown has propsed a meeting Wednesday with PNP President Portia Simpson Miller and JLP Leader Andrew Holness and says that she is "very hopeful that both will be available (on Wednesday the 17th) so we're making every effort to organize a meeting at some point during the day." .

The tension has resulted from public utterances by both leaders as well as threats of legal action.

Mrs Parchment Brown said she had written to Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Holness and tried to arrange a meeting on Monday of this week, but neither was able to attend on that day.

For many Valentine's Day is a show of love for spouses but for Asafa Powell, it is a show of love for his children.

Yes! Children.

The former world record holder took to social media on Sunday to reveal he has a son and share both his children with the world.

"A lot of you may not know but I do have a son. My kids are everything to me and all I want for Valentine's Day. My personal life has nothing to do with my professional life so it's really nobody's business, but today I'm posting my Valentines ... Meet Avani Powell and Liam Powell. #myheartbeats #prouddad," he wrote.

The post was accompanied by a picture of both children holding hands.

The athlete's Facebook and Instagram pages were pictures of shock, happiness and well wishes.

The ruling People's National Party (PNP) on Tuesday unveiled its development plan for Jamaica should it be re-elected in the February 21 General Election.

See below the PNP's '21 Further Steps to Progress' outlined in its manifesto launched on Tuesday:

1) Add at least 100,000 new jobs over the next five years. This will include improving the room stock in the hotel industry by over 14,000 in the next decade, creating more than 40,000 permanent jobs as well as a special youth employment programme that will place 10,000 persons in new jobs.

2) Continue to actively support a national security policy that increasingly empowers citizens, promotes security, peace and safety in communities while reinforcing a culture of lawfulness and public order.

3) Establish a single anti-corruption agency to replace the Parliamentary Integrity Commission, the Office of the Contractor General and the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, to enable the more efficient fight of corruption in Jamaica.

4) Eliminate the shift system in both primary and secondary schools to allow maximum contact time for both teaching and learning, thus contributing to the push to raise educational standards. Accelerate the expansion of the school feeding programme as part of poverty alleviation, to respond to the needs of more students and in support regular attendance at school.

5) Increase investments in order to develop a better trained and more productive labour force to help achieve our national development goals. Our focus will be on the increase application of science and technologyand integrating training programmes appropriate to the 21st century.

6) Continue the extensive modernization of the country's physical infrastructure in order to expand the opportunities for agriculture, tourism, housing and commercial development as part of our growth agenda.

7) Accelerate the programme to build a logistic-centred economy, develop special economic zones and remove constraints in doing business, while placing emphasis on integrating manufacturing with other sectors in the domestic economy.

8) Facilitate investment in the provision of increased space for business process outsourcing through the combined efforts of the Factories Corporation, the port Authority and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

9) Transform MSMEs into competitive enterprises by building capacity, expanding entrepreneurship through training in marketing, leadership communication and technical skills and providing financing through the Development Bank of Jamaica.

10) Accelerate the modernization and expansion of the agricultural sector that will be supported by increased investment and the repair and rehabilitation of 41 farm roads across the island.

12) Create and Facilitate housing solutions to increase substantially the number of Jamaican families who own and live in their own homes. Special priority will be given to satisfying the demand in the lowest income bracket.

13) Improve the quality of health care in our major hospitals, while upgrading community health care facilities across the country. Emphasis will be placed on access and accountability of health care for all with special attention to children to children and senior citizens, improving the benefits available through NHF, JADEP and NI Gold. We will also establish a full integrated medical cannabis and nutraceutical.

14) Develop a national shelter strategy for victims of gender-based violence. This will include the construction of four shelters for the protection of women who experience sexual or physical abuse.

15) Establish a cultural and creative industries enhancement fund, develop a creative economy policy and an overarching master plan to support the creation of an enabling environment for the growth and development of the cultural and creative industries.

16) Create a modern Jamaica Council for Person with Disabilities to direct and guide the programmes of policies impacting peoples with disabilities and establish a Disabilities Rights Tribunal to adjudicate complaints of discrimination.

17) Establish a National Agency for Meteorology and Climate Change Reliance, while implementing an integrate approach to restoring and managing our watershed management units.

18) Continue as a matter of priority the implementation of tax reform to further lower the rates of taxes including income tax, both personal and corporate as well GCT, transfer tax and asset tax as the fiscal situation improves. Expand the range of tax relief measures available under the Urban Renewal Act for the Kingston Metropolitan Area and extend relief to significant urban centres in rural Jamaica.

19) Expand new and existing sewerage systems in the Kingston Metropolitan region.

20) Continue the transformation of the public sector to make it a more efficient customer service oriented sector, an enabling environment which supports the further growth and development of entities as a vehicle for stimulating investment and broadening the base of ownership, including through listings on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and Junior Market.

21) Continue our work in foreign affairs and foreign trade while strengthening our relationship with Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

Kanye West's longtime songwriting collaborator Rhymefest, who has worked on songs including "Jesus Walks" and "New Slaves," tweeted on Friday that he stopped working with West last month and that the rapper needs counseling.

Rhymefest, who's real name is Che Smith, replied to a comment that he should be writing West's Twitter posts as well as his song, saying, "my brother needs help, in the form of counseling. Spiritual & mental. He should step away from the public & yesmen & heal."

Friday was supposed to be West's release day for his highly anticipated new album, Life of Pablo, but it was delayed apparently due to some last minute adds from Chance the Rapper. West has been criticized since debuting an earlier version of the album at his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show over lyrics about Taylor Swift that many have found to be misogynistic. He has also recently tweeted that Bill Cosby is innocent and engaged in a Twitter feud with Wiz Khalifa.

Although dancehall artiste Agent Sasco didn't attend the Grammys on Monday, his presence was surely felt inside the Staples arena, Los Angeles where the event was held.

Sasco's big moment came when rapper Kendrick Lamar, the biggest act at the 2016 Grammys (with an overall 11 nominations) performed his politically-charged hit single The Blacker The Berry which features Agent Sasco.

Lyrics like: "Remember this, every race start from the black" which Agent Saco delivers in the song rang out inside the venue as Kendrick Lamar and his dancers delivered a spirited performance which is now being hailed as one of the best Grammy performances of all time.

Released February 9 last year, The Blacker The Berry is on Lamar's his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly which also won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Meanwhile, Sasco's Theory Of Reggaetivity which is set for official release on February 19.

"When these things happen automatically you get other opportunities that come from it. This Friday I release my first project in 10 years The Theory Of Reggativity and you can imagine with the happenings last night it's all good stuff and I just have to stay working and stay ready for the opportunities that come," Sasco is reported as saying.

He added, "Kendrick could have done so many things with his performance, he had other singles that he could have done and then he could have performed the song without playing my portion so I just have to be grateful that the music got represented on such a huge platform and the the culture and the music was presented at prime time during the Grammys."

Dancehall entertainer Andrae Sutherland aka Popcaan appeared before the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer at the Norman Manley International Airport, three years ago.

Popcaan was fined J$25-thousand or six months in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, his attorney Bert Samuels urged senior magistrate, Judith Pusey, not to record the conviction as it would affect his travels abroad to perform.

Prosecutors reported that on November 24, 2013, Popcaan was preparing to leave the island when he was stopped by the police who requested a search of his luggage.

The entertainer refused to be searched and became boisterous, using expletives to the officers.

During the dispute he used a Hennessy bottle to hit one of the policemen in the face.

"Words are not enough as we sit here representing reggae music among the best talent in music. Thank you to all our fans and team that played a part of Strictly Roots album! We Won ...Yes Rasta." - Morgan hweitage on winning the Reggae Grammy.

Winning the Regae Grammy on your very first nomination is certaily a feat and this is exactly what siblin group, Morgan Heritage did when they were announced winners at the 58th Grammy Awards ceremony which took place at the Nokia Theater L.A in Los Angeles, California, Monday night.

Morgan Heritage won from a field of nominees which included Jah Cure' (The Cure); Luciano, (Zion Awake); Barrington Levy, (Acousticalevy) and Rocky Duwani, (Branches Of The Same Tree).

A plethora of international artistes took to social media to commend the group, among them John Legend, Stephen Marley, Bunji Garlin, Alaine, Tarrus Riley, Chino and the Big Ship captain, Freddie McGregor.

Underdogs West Indies Under-19s stunned favourites India Under-19s by five wickets in a low-scoring final of the ICC Youth Cricket World Cup, to crown themselves World champions for the first time in their history here yesterday.

Chasing 146 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, the Caribbean side were reduced to 77 for five in the 29th over before they were bailed out by a brilliant unbeaten half-century by Man of the Match Keacy Carty, to get home in the last over with a mere three balls to spare.

Carty stroked an unbeaten 52 off 125 balls with two fours and added a precious 69 in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with the consistent Keemo Paul who struck a busy 40 not out off 68 deliveries with a four and a six.

Entering the final over of the game with three runs needed, Paul got the winning runs when he charged seamer Khaleel Ahmed and top-edged a pull over the wicketkeeper for four, to spark wild celebrations in the West Indies camp.

"I feel very good right now. Words can't even explain how I feel right now," an overwhelmed Young Windies captain Shimron Hetmyer said. "How the guys played today showed we were supposed to be champions today and we came out on top."

The victory had earlier been set up by the irrepressible Alzarri Joseph who tore through the India Under-19s top order with a fine exhibition of fast bowling, to send the innings tumbling to 145 all out off 45.1 overs.

He claimed three for 39 from his 10 overs, while seamers Ryan John (3-38) and Paul (2-17) provided excellent support, as India faltered badly after they were sent in - crashing to 50 for five in the 18th over and never really recovering.

Sarfaraz Khan top-scored with 51 off 89 balls and Rahul Batham got 21, but they were just two of three batsmen to make it into double figures.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has placed several states under immediate drought watch or warning for 2016.

CDEMA has expressed immediate drought concerns for these countries, due to below-normal rain during the previous dry and wet seasons. This resulted in a number of countries experiencing water shortages in 2015.

Drought alerts have been issued by the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology for several countries, up to March 2016.

Drought warnings have been issued for Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, northern Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago as well as northern Suriname.

A drought watch has been issued for Grenada while there is a drought concern in east and south Haiti.

Jamaica looks set to benefit from a visit by tennis queen Serena Williams in more ways than one, with the sports star rolling up her sleeves and whipping out her chequebook to help build a school on the island.

ESPN reports that the project is funded through the 34-year-old sports icon's foundation in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica to help build the Salt Marsh Primary School.

Apart from assisting with funding, the tennis ace is getting hands-on and doing some of the manual work herself, moreover.

On Tuesday she shared a short video on Instagram showing herself clad in an "I built a school with Serena" T-shirt and wearing goggles, gloves and a tool belt while painting a door at the new school.

The charitable work comes amidst some well-deserved downtime in Jamaica following the American champion's surprise defeat at the Australian Open last month.

Williams, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, is chilling out on vacation at a luxury beachfront villa in Old Fort Bay near Ocho Rios, according to celebrity website TMZ.

Her US$20,000-a-week, three-acre vacation rental boasts a 10,000 square foot home with seven bedrooms, eight-and-a-half bathrooms, a thatched roof gazebo and outdoor bar, as well as the convenience of a nearby helipad.

The plush property also comes with a full complement of staff, including a butler, a chef and assistant-cook, housekeepers, a laundress, a gardener, and a pool and beach man.

Fit for a sports queen, the palatial getaway also comes with a Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, a putting green, gym, massage room, kayaks and other watersports equipment

The oceanfront villa would not be complete without its clay tennis court, enabling Williams to maintain her winning form.

REPORTS ARE THAT AN OPENLY GAY MAN PUBLICLY DECLARED HIS SEXUAL PREFERENCES WHILE ON THE pnp CAMPAIGN TRAIL LAST WEEK.

According to persons in the know, the gay man is the son of veteran dancehall artiste, Ninjaman. Ninjaman, the renowned gold-teet-gun-pon-teet-don-gorgon, had this to say on the matter:

"Ah time to realise say man ah big man a represent the country and the media fi stop ask mi bout carelessness. Dem leggo the ting inna the country, that is why yu can see dem ting de inna motorcade, the country open, and people ah do as dem feel a mind. You know how much artiste a gay, how much police a gay, how much soldier a gay? Mi no business who waan tun gay!" he said.

"Ask me about mi music and the people dem who mi a help fi elevate demself. Ask mi bout mi career. When mi go prison fi three years and come back a road, the country change, mi see things a happen, so why ask me? Where is the love of God? Where is the respect for God? Mi no business wid dem because mi nah fast inna people sexual preferences," an animated Ninjaman said.

The dancehall community is notorious for its anti-gay culture but the 'Don Gorgon' said he does not harbour any ill-will or negativity towards gays.

Shauna Chin, Glly Bop's former manager says that the actress Shauna Chin is using a lawsuit threat against her as an opportunity to get some free publicity.

The recording artiste who recently signed a deal with Diamond Music Empire and who now uses the stage-name Chin Chin has been served a cease and desist order by lawyers acting on behalf of the actress.

"Leave my name out of your mouth. You are just using my name to try to be recognised in your own country that you ditched for how many decades now. We know say yu spit pan stone and fling behind yu when yu left on the iron bird . Again Miss big Hollywood actress Shauna Chin, stop using my name to create a hype for yourself," Chin Chin said in a press release.

"I don't want to sit on this issue because it's not going anywhere, I have better and bigger things to do. My name has been in the media in Jamaica for a year and you didn't wanna sue then why sue now? You claimed my name has tarnished your professional reputation when that sounds like a big lie. If you were so accomplished in your field, no one could mistake you for me, a mere dancehall artiste? That sounds like yu want some cheap publicity," the recording artiste, formerly known as Shauna Chin, added.

The actress is most known for her guest starring role on Jamaican television series The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate and the Festival De Cannes award winning short film Choices. Meanwhile, the other 'Shauna Chin' exploded on the dancehall scene in late 2014 with her highly-publicised romance with deejay sensation, Gully Bop.

"Once she began using the name to perform on largely popular billed shows such as Sumfest, my legal team initiated the cease and desist process," said the actress in a release last week.

However, Chin Chin said: "If a company wanna hire you for a set they would know the difference because you are a actress and I'm known for what I'm known for as a dancehall personality. Your corner is dark if people don't know the difference by now. Instead, you came in the papers with a whole resume of what you do and don't do. Instead of feeding the homeless in LA, why don't you do that for your fellow countrymen? Now you wanna pop up out of nowhere talking about claiming name... again, and for the last time, my birth name is Shauna and my pet name is Chin, my entertainer name is from Gully Chin to Chin Chin. I can't stop my fans or anyone else to call me by that name."

"As you can see on social media , my fans in Jamaica don't know you, until now when you're claiming name. Please stop riding off my name and career for your publicity and promotion. How about coming here on a trip and help single mothers who are struggling, and others who need help here. We as the lucky ones who get the break should look back on our lives and help our black maroons. For the "big" Jamaican actress you are, you should be showing your face more often in the papers and represent your country. I am going to be working on my video shoot this weekend for hit song, My Life'."

Tributes have been pouring in for Love FM's veteran news and sports editor Arbedene 'Dean' Reid who passed away very suddenly on Friday morning.

An employee at the station confirmed that Reid unexpectedly died on Frday after a "very brief" illness.

"He was at work up to yesterday (Thursday) and he started complaining that his stomach was hurting. A co-worker took him to the doctor who then sent him on to the hospital - Andrews Memorial," she explained.

Reid was treated and sent home that very night, but the following morning, the husband and father died at home.

"It is a shock to us all. Dean was here at work every single day. He started with the station 23 years ago and the only time he was absent was when he was on leave," the devastated co-worker said.

Reid was remembered as a joyous personality and dedicated professional, who was very God-fearing.

Meanwhile, condolences poured in on Love 101 FM's website from the ardent listeners who have been tuing in over the years to listen to reid's programmes on air.

R.I.P man of God. My condolences to the family of Love 101 and his wife and children. I am not really a sports fan, I know about sports. I enjoyed listening to him on Saturday morning, he was passionate about the sports.

Condolences to the love family and immediate family on loose such stalwart one that was very devouted Bro Reid. R.I.P

Mr. Reid you were a true stalwart and preacher of righteousness. I have never met you in person but your daily reminder of the coming of the Lord and the need to always be ready will always reside with me. Thank you sir. Rest in peace. Meet you in Beulah land. Take care until then. LOVE family and his immediate family take courage, it was a race well run. Fro: Bro. Hutchi.

Word from his own heart "My passport is update to enter those pearly gates my visa stamped and issued from mount Calvary" so he is in his rest. Rest in peace Uncle Son Reid

Condolences to the family of Bro Reid and Love FM. Its really sad... Bro Reid has been a man with a huge heart who loved God with all his heart. His morning programme the 'Sounds of Sanity' has been a blessing to be each time I tuned in. My prayers are with you!!!- Rev. Monica Mckenzie

Details have emerged surrounding the purchase of the Beverly Hills, St. Andrew property by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.

This comes against the background of questions raised by Dr. Peter Phillips concerning the Opposition Leader's finances and details surrounding the purchase. The property was purchased by a St. Lucian based company called Admat Incorporated in 2011, when Holness was the Minister of Education.

Admat Incorporated's registered address is 10 Manoel Street, Castries, St. Lucia. The Registered Instrument reportedly bears the signature of Holness in his capacity as a Director. However, it's unclear if he remains a Director at this time.

According to a copy of the transfer document from the registry of the Titles Office, Holness, signed as a Director of Admat to purchase a piece of land in Beverly Hills, St Andrew in March 2011.

The property, which was previously owned by at least five individuals, was bought for US$300,000, or J$26 million at the time.

It must be noted that serious questions were asked of Mr. Holiness re this matter by members of his own party in mid 2015 to the point where some of the party's financial backers threatened to withhold funding until Holiness declared his source of funds to undertake this expensive acquisition.

5 Questions for Andrew Holness re his Beverly Hills mansion

1. What is the hidden connection between Andrew Holness and this 'Admat Incorporated, Castries,St. Lucia'?

2. Why was an offshore shell company used as a vehicle by Mr. Holness to purchase the property?

3. If the land was brought ("About seven years ago I purchased an undeveloped piece of land which I originally intended to hold and develop sometime in the future ~2008".), why wait until 2011 to get a registered title?

4. What is the reason for using a St. Lucian registered Company, instead of the Holness name? Is there some kind of fancy tax shelter business going on?

5. How did Andrew Holness acquire the funds to purchase this property and erect the mansion which is rumoured to cost in the region of 200 million Jamaican dollars?

Really and truly now, what is all this hullabaloo about the name Shauna Chin? Nuh from 2014 we a hear bout Gully Bop manager/fiancee shauna Chin, aka Miss Chin? So how all of a sudden now Miss-Big-Hollywood-Actress want to come claims up the name?in

Tell me something,don't people have the same name all the while?! So how Miss-Big-Hollywood-Actress a send letter to dancehall Shauna Chin bout 'cease and desist'. We agree wid Shauna Chin/Chin Chin that this actress chick yah a look a hype off Miss Chin. Cause, fi real, nobody neava know bout she. After Shauna Chin deh bout inna dancheall more than a year,this actree chick just pop up now and a list out her credentials and talk bout how people a mix up di two a dem.

Fabian change him name by deed poll and tell everybody that him name is registered wid the United States government and nobody cyann do nutten bout dat. So Shauna Chin aka Chin Chin, if you want to get real mean go have a chat wid Fabian. If yuh want Fabian Fabian number, give we a shout out and we will send it on.

For the days leading up to Trinidad carnival the entire island is under a festive glee. Sweet sounds of sofa take over the streets non stop for days upon end.

Whether you are a native Trinidadian or came in for a good time, everyone takes in the action at what is truly the best time here on the island. So much so that the party don't stop for nothing. Slings, crutches or cane - You are guaranteed to see it going through the streets and in the parade.

Carnival is so much a religion that you will see people limping and hopping around but still enjoying the great carnival vibes. Jouvert morning which takes place in the wee hours of carnival Monday is the official paint, mud, clay and chocolate street party.

It's a sight to see thousands of people take to the streets covered. Carnival Tuesday is where all the beautiful costumes come out. From big bands to small bands everyone is wearing a costume. Now some people more than others really shouldn't but that's all part of the good fun in Trinidad and Tobago.

So farewell carnival 2016 we had a blast. On to 2017. By the way it's February 27th and 28th.

Port-of-Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee has apologised for comments "attributed to him" at a news conference yesterday, insisting they were taken out of context. In the same breath, he has agreed that his comments could have been considered out of line.

Following the announcement of the Downtown Carnival results at his City Hall office yesterday, Mayor Tim Kee was asked for his comment on the discovery of the body of a female masquerader at the Queen's Park Savannah.

The statements suggested that the woman's death, later identified as Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya, was in some way linked to a culture of lewdness.

The Mayor says his comments were completely misconstrued, and singled out a headline in a daily newspaper which read "POS Mayor criticises women". Tim Kee said it was a matter of "drawing fire even before the article was read."

Recognized reggae artiste, Guidance, is gearing up to deliver a memorable performance at Paradise Lost, Jamaica and the Caribbean's first ever EDM festival.

The Love What You Got singer, who is also working on his debut album, is quite excited at being added to the line-up of the inaugural three-day event which is being touted as one of the biggest music festivals to hit Jamaica. Paradise Lost, which is scheduled to be held March 10 - 12 at Grizzly's Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios, has attracted big names in EDM including Bassnectar and Tiesto, along with dub legend King Jammy, Zion I, AlunaGeorge, Felix Jaehn and Big Gigantic

An enthusiastic Guidance stated, "It's definitely an honour to be a part of this historic event. It really doesn't get any better than this and I am seizing this moment to connect with a whole new set of music lovers and, of course, to learn as much as I can from the legends so that one day I can fill their shoes."

The singer, whose latest song, Girlfriend Yard, has received much love on radio and in the clubs, pointed out that an accompanying music video has already been released and his team is looking to put out a follow-up track, also from the upcoming album, (People Have) Problems Everyday. As yet untitled, the 14-track album is being produced by Phree Music Records, the same outfit to which the artiste is signed.

Guidance, who has been involved in the music business for more than a decade and a half noted that he was quite happy at the progress of the project. When quizzed as to what took him so long to release his first album, the singer from Portmore, St Catherine, was quite philosophical in his answer, "Nothing happens before the right time."

Doing what seems to come naturally, he took time to commend his team, which is intent on getting the right persons at every step of the project. He revealed that the single Girlfriend Yard was mastered at London's famous Metropolis Studio by John Davis who has worked with mega acts including Led Zeppelin, U2 and Lana del Ray. Most of the voicing is being done at Mikey Bennet's Grafton Studio in Kingston.

Police reports say that an autopsy performed on the pannist show that death was by strangulation.As a result, Nagakiya's death is now being treated as a murder.

This was confirmed yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James following a post-mortem performed by forensic pathologist, Dr Valery Alexandrov.

Alexandrov's report revealed that Nagakiya's death was due to "manual strangulation", indicating that someone used their hands to strangle the pannist to death.

Nagakiya, who played with PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, was found lying on her side under a tree in the Queen's Park Savannah. Her body was discovered by some men on Ash Wednesday morning. She was clad in a yellow costume with an armband from the band Legacy. One of the men said she had a laceration on one arm as well as several bruises.

Her body was identified by the Japanese Embassy.

A regular visitor to Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival, Nagakiya captured images of J'ouvert which she posted on her Facebook page on Carnival Monday. Her close friend and pan colleague at Silver Stars Marcus Ash said it was a bitter pill for all to swallow.

"I think right now generally Silver Stars is shattered. She was like the life of Silver Stars. That person that would make everybody laugh. She never had a sad moment from the minute she touched down in Piarco. It would have been a dream come through for her I think, to be part of the band down here to win a Panorama. She was in love with her craft," Ash said. He noted that her glowing optimism and positivity had even recently got him through a personal ordeal.

She was a trained musician by profession, and had arrived in Trinidad on January 7, 2016, to participate in Carnival-related events.

She was from Kanagawa Ken Yokohama-shi Aoba-Ku Aobadai, Japan. Snr Supt Oswald Cudjoe, who heads the Homicide Bureau, is spearheading the investigation into the murder. Senior investigators told the Express yesterday that they had been visited by several persons who spent time with Nagakiya before she died and were willing to assist with enquiries.

The Express was also reported that investigators had "solid information" about a suspect that they were hoping to have in custody soon.

The police have determined that the deadly attack on a JLP motorcade in the hotbed community of Flanker, St James, was gang related.

According to the man in charge of the St. James Police Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor, a high level probe into Wednesday's incident along Kodak Street, in Flanker stemmed from gang warfare. One man was shot and killed, and three other persons wounded in the incident .

A total of 12 motor vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

The top cop has revealed that the incident took place close to the home of Javin Campbell, who was shot and killed at a JLP mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square on Sunday.

SSP McGregor explained that no permission was granted for a motorcade to take place in Flanker given the prospects for reprisal, following Sunday's fatal shooting.

The St. James Police are again calling for good sense to prevail during the election campaign.

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness says he will be taking action against the Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, this following reports that Simpson Miller would take legal action if Holness does not apologize for a comment he made in reference to her during a television interview.

Holness responded to the threat of legal proceedings that he had not received the letter from her attorney and that he has also asked his attorneys to investigate her describing him as an" enemy of the State" with a view of taking similar action.

The Opposition leader described the legal move against him as a ploy to avoid the pre-election debate, to be staged by the Jamaica Debates Commission.

And attorney at law Bert Samuels, who is representing the Prime Minister, is requesting more than a written apology from Mr Holness.

Samuels is contending that an apology alone would not negate the perceived damage.

Simpson Miller is alleging that the Opposition Leader defamed her in the television interview during nomination day proceedings on Tuesday.

As reported by the Argentinian doctors in their report, Zika virus has never been known to cause brain deformations in children:

Previous Zika epidemics did not cause birth defects in newborns, despite infecting 75% of the population in those countries. Also, in other countries such as Colombia there are no records of microcephaly; however, there are plenty of Zika cases.

The entire reason these brain deformations are being blamed on the Zika virus, we're now learning, is so that powerful chemical companies can sell more toxic chemicals that poison the people and the environment even more! From the doctors' report:

Brazilian doctors (Abrasco) are claiming that the strategy of chemical control is contaminating the environment as well as people, that it is not decreasing the amount of mosquitoes, and that this strategy is in fact a commercial manoeuvre from the chemical poisons industry, deeply integrated into Latin American ministries of health as well as WHO and PAHO.

It's a vicious cycle, of course: The government sprays chemicals that cause brain deformations in children, but in order to avoid blaming the chemicals, they blame mosquitoes, thereby demanding MORE toxic chemicals be sprayed, causing yet more deformations that demand yet more chemicals and so on.

If all this sounds familiar, it's because it's ripped right out of the playbook of the vaccine industry: Many vaccines actually cause epidemics (which is why children who are stricken with measles and mumps have almost always been previously vaccinated against measles and mumps), thereby increasing public demand for more vaccines which cause more outbreaks, ad infinitum.

It's the perfect business model: When your product causes an epidemic of disease or birth defects, just find something else to blame and then pay off all the government health authorities to demand more of your product! After all, even the CDC loves these pandemics because it gives them an opportunity to exhibit more "authority" and push for more vaccines.

Billions already pledged to the vaccine industry... even with no scientific evidence of a link

Based entirely on fraudulent information and quack science, President Obama has now called for $1.8 billion in government handouts to vaccine companies and pharmaceutical corporations to combat Zika. Yet the linkage between Zika and microcephaly is nothing but an unproven, unscientific, mythological narrative dreamed up by the vaccine pushers. It carries the same scientific weight as saying "Black cats cause bad luck" or "Rubbing a rabbit's foot gives me good luck."

Hence the term "vaccine voodoo" which is a technically accurate description of the total lack of science underpinning the fraudulent vaccine industry. Isn't it amazing how quickly the government, the media and the vaccine pushers have leaped to their preferred conclusion about microcephaly even without a shred of scientific evidence to support such a notion?

(Hey, it's a pandemic... they don't need any real EVIDENCE, right?)

A massive science hoax, vaccine hoax and chemical hoax all designed to generate more industry profits while ignoring the true causes of suffering in Brazilian children

Once you put all the pieces of this puzzle together, it becomes crystal clear: The Zika virus narrative is a massive quack science hoax that's being pushed solely to sell more chemicals, more GM mosquitoes, more vaccines and more fumigation of the Brazilian population with deadly substances.

The real cause of microcephaly is being systematically ignored, lending yet more support to the idea that this is all part of the population control agenda to poison the people of Brazil, deliberately reduce their offspring to mutants, increase abortions and demand that women no longer get pregnant.

All the signs are there, folks. This is the Bill Gates human depopulation agenda in full swing, disguised as a mosquito virus outbreak. It's no mistake that the larvicide chemicals are being sprayed in the poorest areas of Brazil, targeting those very same populations that are now being told, "Don't have any more babies!"

A pissed-off passenger who was not allowed to smoke or drink alcohol aboard a Paris-bound plane took out his frustrations on a fellow flier by urinating on him.

The mile-high waterworks forced the Air Meditarranee flight from Algiers to divert to Lyon when flight attendants pinned the shirtless goon after a free-for-all, the MailOnline reported.

Another man involved in the melee also was removed from the Airbus A321 at Lyon, where the charter flight was delayed for about three hours. The airline, based in Toulouse, uses Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris as its hub for domestic flights and international routes to the Canary Islands, Greece and Lebanon, among other destinations.

Jamaican born Professor of Theology and Ethics at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Noel Erskine, is the 2016 recipient of the Atlanta Jamaica Association's (AJA) Black History Month Award.

Professor Noel Erskine, who hails from St. Thomas and is the former Pastor of the Ulster Spring Baptist Church in Trelawny, has been recognized for his over 35 years of service to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities in Atlanta. Dr. Erskine has also been honoured for his extensive work in chronicling black history as well as his study of black religion.

A member of the American Academia of Religion and Black Theology, Rev. Erskine also serves on the Advisory Council of the Secretariat of the Free Trade Area of the Americas in Atlanta.

Presenting the award at the AJA's Annual Black History Month celebration at the St. Timothy Methodist Church in Atlanta, on February 6, was Immediate Past President of the AJA, Mr. Errol Ritchie.

Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Mrs. Jewel Scott, lauded Professor Erskine for his outstanding contribution to the Jamaican community and the awareness he has brought to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities about black religion.

Accepting the award, Professor Erskine called on members of the audience to unite and work together to make Jamaicans in the Diaspora and those at home, the people God has called them to become - a people with love and concern for those edged out on the margins of society.

Primary and secondary school students who are already registered participants under the Ministry of Youth and Culture's Culture Passport programme are to benefit from targeted initiatives being hosted by the Ministry's Culture Agencies and selected cultural communities during February, which is being observed as Black History and Reggae Month.

Culture Passport allows young people to experience Jamaica's culture and heritage. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Youth and Culture's ongoing efforts to fulfil its mandate to share with Jamaicans the depth of Jamaica's cultural heritage. Culture Passports provide students free or reduced cost access to several heritage sites, museums and cultural performances. Students can access Culture Passports by becoming members of their school's Culture Club programme which currently operates in over 200 primary and high schools island-wide. The Culture Club programme was developed by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) which manages the programme on behalf of the Ministry.

The Culture Passport programme is the brainchild of the Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna who, in developing the initiative, noted that Jamaicans, particularly youth, are largely unaware of the country's culture and heritage.

Students drawn from a number of Culture Clubs in primary and secondary schools across the island will also be able to participate at reduced rates in all Black History and Reggae Month activities being hosted by other divisions of the Institute of Jamaica. These include the Jamaica Music Museum, the Natural History Museum, Liberty Hall, and the National Gallery.

Passport holders will also be able to access an exhibition called BJCM- Jamaica's First World Heritage Site mounted by the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica. The exhibition highlights the cultural heritage of the Blue and John Crow Mountains and opens on February 16.

Two of the island's cultural communities, Moore Town and Accompong are also supporting the Culture Passport initiative, having reduced access fees for tours of the communities.

Detectives are trying to ascertain the circumstances which led to the killing of a couple at their home, in Edinburgh, Newport, Manchester on Monday.

Dead are 72-year-old Lanzel Gregory and his 67-year-old wife, Coretta. About 8 o'clock Monday evening, the police were called to the area by residents who became suspicious after not seeing the couple for several hours.

Their bodies were found with what appears to be stab wounds. Investigators are awaiting the results of a post mortem. According to the police, the couple's

A man who was wanted by the police for several gun-related crimes, 30-year-old Jermaine Williams, otherwise called 'Marlon, of Central Village, St Catherine, has been captured.

Williams, who was wanted by the Central Village Police for seven counts of shooting with intent,.was held by the police assigned to the St Catherine North Division.

According to police reports, at about 10:45 am they were on operation when they went to search a premises. They were reportedly greeted with gunfire, which was returned. During a ceasefire, Williams was found at the back of the premises and was subsequently arrested.

One Taurus 9mm pistol along with five rounds of ammunition was also found in bushes.

While Elephant Man is rejoicing being allowed to walk free from a case of rape, assault and buggery, he must not forget that he wasn't proven innocent of the alleged crime of rape, buggery and assault.

Instead, Elephant Man walked free because the alleged victim died.

It would have been respectful to hear him offer even one word of condolence to the alleged vicitm who died and was buried three weeks before the ccccase was called up. The alleged victim must have been on good terms with Elephant Man at some point since the alleged incident reportedly took place at his house.

"Believe me, mi overwhelmed. Mi just a give God thanks. Mi haffi give him the glory because it wasn't easy. When me hear dem say 'not guilty', a the best thing cudda ever happen to me. To God be the glory," he is reported as saying.

According to Elephant Man, he had dedicated the last four years of his career to this case in an effort to prove to his fans that he was innocent of the charges.But, he has yet to prove his innocent, except that every man is innocent until proven guilty.

The police report that between 40 and 50 spent shells were recovered on the scene of the shooting in the crime ravaged community of Flanker in Montego Bay, St James on Nomination Day

It is not quite clear the number of persons who were injured when the bus carrying Jamaica Labour Party supporters was shot up in the community.

The Flanker community has been racked by an ongoing gang feud between member of the Sparta and Rebel gangs who have been at loggerheads for several weeks.

On Sunday at a JLP mass rally at Sam Sharpe Square, three persons were murdered and six others, including four women, were injured after a shooting close to the end of a lengthy address by Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness.

The dead men have been identified as 22-year-old Javin Campbell, otherwise called 'Javinci' of Flanker, who is a top tier of the Sparta Gang and Nicholas Irving, otherwise called 'Chow', who is a known affiliate of the Rebel Gang.

It is not known if the attack on the bus is a continuation of the ongoing gang feud.

The police say no permission was given for a motorcade through Flanker, St James yesterday which ended with one man being killed, three others injured and 12 vehicles damaged.

Below is the full release from the police:

The St James Police are reiterating their call for good sense to prevail during the election campaign season.

This call comes against the background of the killing of one man, whose identity has not yet been ascertained, and the injuring of three other persons who were part of a political motorcade on Kodak Street in Flanker, St James yesterday.

Twelve motor vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

"Police intelligence assets are on the ground continuously monitoring the situation," disclosed Senior Superintendent (SSP) Steve McGregor, "and this information informs the decisions about the granting of permission for marches and motorcades.

"We are appealing to organisers and party officials to heed all instructions and warnings given in the future," the SSP said, highlighting that no permission was given for the ill-fated motorcade through Flanker St James.

"In fact, there were explicit warnings against it," he said, explaining that this was because of heightened tensions in the area as a result of the shooting death of two men from the community and the injury of three other persons at a Jamaica Labour Party mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square in the parish on February 8.

The Montego Bay Police are continuing their investigations and are asking anyone who may be able to help them to contact detectives at 953-6191, Police 119 emergency number or the nearest Police Station.

President Michel Martelly made his farewell speech to Haiti as he departed office Sunday with no successor yet chosen because a runoff election was delayed for a second time last month amid violent protests and deep suspicions about vote rigging.

In a nearly 20-minute speech before a joint session of Parliament, Martelly said his "biggest regret is that the presidential election was postponed." Addressing the Haitian people, he said he worked as hard as he could to improve the country and was "ready to answer before the court of history."

Martelly, who took office in May 2011, is departing on what was scheduled as the first day of Port-au-Prince's annual three-day Carnival celebration. However, authorities called off Sunday's festivities because of a tense atmosphere amid the political uncertainty.

Lawmakers are beginning a process to patch together a short-term interim government to smooth political divisions and fill the void left by Martelly's departure. Prime Minister Evans Paul remains in office for now, awaiting a provisional president to be chosen by Parliament in the coming days.

Haiti last created a transitional government in 2004. That interim administration, which lasted for two years, took power in the chaotic days after President Jean Bertrand-Aristide was ousted by a rebellion and a U.N. peacekeeping force came to stabilize the country.

This time, with quarrelling political factions throwing Haiti into an electoral and constitutional crisis, a last-minute deal was forged by Martelly and lawmakers less than 24 hours before his scheduled departure from office. A special mission from the 35-nation Organization of American States was in Haiti to observe last week's negotiations and help foster dialogue.

The deal announced Saturday says an interim government will rule until an elected leader can take office May 14. The twice postponed presidential and legislative runoff is rescheduled for April 24.

Martelly expressed satisfaction with the agreement, saying lawmakers "gave me a guarantee that the country is going to be stable."

He handed over his presidential sash after his address and embraced many of the 23 senators and 86 deputies in the National Assembly. The senators wore black suits and hats while the deputies wore white. Seven legislators were absent.

Senate President Jocelerme Privert said Parliament will accept nominations for a provisional president over the next five days. Legislators are expected to vote for a leader of the caretaker government a couple of days after the nomination period ends.

Some opposition lawmakers disagree with the accord reached by Martelly and legislators, but Privert said they will have to accept the majority's decision. "This is the democratic way," he said.

In a Sunday statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Haitian authorities to implement the accord "in order to ensure the democratic transfer of power to elected officials."

About 100 government supporters gathered outside Parliament wearing pink T-shirts emblazoned with the words: "I am Martelly." Pink is the color of his Tet Kale political faction. Martelly greeted his supporters and waved from a car before his convoy sped off.

It was not immediately clear what his immediate plans were. The pop star-turned-president repeatedly said he wanted to depart office singing on a Carnival float under his pop singer stage name, "Sweet Micky." But another anti-government protest by rock-throwing young men disrupted life in downtown Port-au-Prince on Sunday and some Carnival stands were destroyed.

Grammy award-winning Reggae superstar Sean Paul released another hot new track for 2016. On Friday, February 5, Sean Paul and British singer Jay Sean treated fans to the release of their Make My Love Go single. Featuring an upbeat house styled tune, the song is sure to be anyone's party anthem.

Also to be announced this coming Friday, February 12 is another single Outta Control that features Yolanda Be Cool and Mayra Veronica and premieres in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Since the beginning of the year Sean Paul set the pace from early with single Tornado featuring Nicky B and SynthKartell, which was previously released last Friday, January 29. The artiste began the year 2016 with an upbeat momentum, as his recent releases Never Give Up and Give Thanks for Life videos, have been gaining much popularity.

Europe, which is one Sean Paul's strongest markets, has contributed greatly to the artist's success. His 2014 collaboration with Latin music superstar, Enrique Iglesias, on the English version of the single Bailando achieved a number 12 spot on the Hot 100 charts in August. T

Sean's 2015 success has earned him a nomination in the category of "Favourite Local International Artiste of the Year", for the 2016 Youth View Awards.

The Temperature singer is due to headline the Sean Paul Canadian Full Speed Promo Tour scheduled for March 12-30 after his performance in Las Vegas on March 5. He also recently appeared in Dubai on February 4 after his sold out performance in Chile on January 30.

Kicking off the new year and in time for lover's week, soulful reggae recording artist Omari Banks is delivering "Me & You" produced by multi- platinum, multi-Grammy nominee, Jason "J-Vibe" Farmer.

Music and love transcend all, they are felt with the heart and soul, a universal language that we can all relate, and incorporating the two, Omari tells a stirring story of lost, love and perseverance.

Speaking of the moving song, Omari explains "My inspiration was actually observing relationships and how they can get complicated when outside influences come into the equation. Sometimes all that is needed to bring things back a healthy and good position is the two parties working things out themselves. The song is about a couple who've been together for a while that are still in love but get caught up with the day to day proceedings They aren't spending the valuable time with each other but they realize this and work toward getting things how its suppose to be "Me&U". If you've been in a relationship then you will relate."

Hitting the airwaves, the single has already gathered support and positive feedback from both listeners and broadcasters including DJ Preston, Hot 104 FM in Cayman; The Gadiethz from The International Morning Ride Show, ZROD 103.7FM Tortola BVI; DJ Stormin Norman, Tropixx 105.5FM in St Maarten and The Connoisseur, RTC 107FM Turks & Caicos.

2015 has been a whirlwind year of touring, honor and recognition for Omari, taking it all in stride the humbled artist is looking forward to a new year with new music, video, performances and spreading musical vibes.

Four years after an alleged incident, flambouyant dancehall deejay, Oniel 'Elephant Man' Bryan has been freed of charges of rape, buggery and grievous sexual assault.

The complainant was buried on January 17, less than a month before the case was called up.

It said under the Evidence Amendment Act, it would not be allowed to submit the complainant's written statement.

Justice Marcia Dunbar Green then instructed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The police said the charges against Bryan stemmed from an incident at his St. Andrew home in January 2012.

Investigators say a woman filed a police report claiming that the artiste had sexually assaulted her.When he appeared in the Home Circuit Court on Monday, the crown offered no evidence against him.

The jury was impaneled and directed by Justice Marcia Dunbar-Green to enter a formal verdict of not guilty.

Elephant Man, who was represented by attorneys Linda Wright and Jacqueline Asher, was charged with rape stemming from a January 2012 incident involving a 31-year-old woman at his Hillcrest Avenue home in St Andrew.

Fire of unknown origin destroyed several wooden houses at the intersection of Rum Lane and Barry Street in Kingston early Sunday morning, leaving 100 persons homeless.

Five units responded to the fire that started shortly after 1:00 am.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade's Divisional Head for Kingston and St. Andrew, Superintendent Kevin Haughton, says firefighters were alerted at approximately 1:33 and were at the scene for close to eight hours.

Three persons - a resident and two firefighters - were injured. The fire fighters were hospitalised for smoke inhalation and fatigue but have since been released.

The Ministry of Education has issued a directive that all schools will be closed on election day February 25.

On Wednesday, February 24, schools will be closed at noon to facilitate preparations for election-day activities.

In a bulletin on Monday, the Ministry however said schools will be held Tuesday which is Nomination Day.

In the case of schools that will be used as polling stations on Election Day, principals are asked to ensure that rooms and bathroom facilities assigned to the Electoral Office are cleared, cleaned and all charts as well as teaching aids removed.

Schools will reopen on the following day - February 26.

In cases where schools will not be able to convene on that day, the Education Ministry says school administrators should immediately alert the respective Regional Directors.

Dr. Carl Williams, Jamaica's Police Commissioner, says there was no political motive for the shooting incident that pre-maturely ended the JLP rally in Montego Bay on Sunday night.

Two men were killed and six others suffered gunshot wounds during the shooting.

The police later determined that the two men who died were both members of known gangs in Flanker, St. James, and that they had been in attendance at the rally, staged by the opposition Jamaica Labour Party, when a dispute arose, leading to the shooting.

"Based on our investigation and all the intelligence that we have, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated. To the contrary, our investigations and intelligence are pointing to a dispute among some known persons from a particular community in St. James," the Police Commissioner told Dionne Jackson Miller on RJR's Beyond the Headlines, a short while ago.

"The dispute started right there at the meeting; it had its antecedents, but it happened at the meeting. The meeting was not invaded, as is being suggested by some people," he asserted, adding that "it was not as a result of people coming from outside."

Police report that one of the two persons shot and killed at a Jamaica Labour Party mass meeting in Montego Bay, St. James Sunday night was a well-known member of a gang, that operates in the Flanker community of St. James. Eight persons were shot, two fatally at the JLP rally.

Head of the St. James Police, Senior Superintendent, Steve McGregor says the two persons killed, were directly related to the dispute, which developed at the political meeting, at which JLP Leader Andrew Holness was addressing.

According to the senior supe, the condition of the other six persons is not considered serious.

SSP McGregor says, the shooting incident originated within the meeting.

The dead gang member has been identified as 22-year-old Javin Campbell, otherwise called Javinci', who is known to the police,

Police Commission Dr. Karl Williams is expected to issue a statement on the matter.

Noela Rukundo sat in a car outside her home in Melbourne, Australia, watching as the last few mourners filed out. They were leaving a funeral - her funeral.

Finally, she spotted the man she'd been waiting for. She stepped out of her car, and her husband put his hands on his head in horror.

"Is it my eyes?" she recalled him saying. "Is it a ghost?"

"Surprise! I'm still alive!" she replied.

Far from being elated, the man looked terrified. Five days earlier, he had ordered a team of hit men to kill Rukundo, his partner of 10 years. And they did - well, they told him they did. They even got him to pay an extra few thousand dollars for carrying out the crime.

Now here was his wife, standing before him. In an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Rukundo recalled how he touched her shoulder to find it unnervingly solid. He jumped. Then he started screaming.

"I'm sorry for everything," he wailed.

But it was far too late for apologies; Rukundo called the police. The husband, Balenga Kalala, ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison for incitement to murder, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (the ABC).

The happy ending - or as happy as can be expected to a saga in which a man tries to have his wife killed - was made possible by three unusually principled hit men, a helpful pastor and one incredibly gutsy woman: Rukundo.

Here is how she pulled it off.

Rukundo's ordeal began almost exactly a year ago, when she flew from her home in Melbourne with her husband, Kalala, to attend a funeral in her native Burundi. Her stepmother had died, and the service left her saddened and stressed. She retreated to her hotel room in Bujumbura, the capital, early in the evening; despondent after the events of the day, she lay down in bed. Then her husband called.

"He told me to go outside for fresh air," she told the BBC.

But the minute Rukundo stepped out of her hotel, a man charged forward, pointing a gun right at her.

"Don't scream," she recalled him saying. "If you start screaming, I will shoot you. They're going to catch me, but you? You will already be dead."

Rukundo, terrified, did as she was told. She was ushered into a car and blindfolded so she couldn't see where she was being taken. After 30 or 40 minutes, the car came to a stop, and Rukundo was pushed into a building and tied to a chair.

She could hear male voices, she told the ABC. One asked her, "You woman, what did you do for this man to pay us to kill you?"

"What are you talking about?" Rukundo demanded.

"Balenga sent us to kill you."

They were lying. She told them so. And they laughed.

"You're a fool," they told her.

There was the sound of a dial tone, and a male voice coming through a speakerphone. It was her husband's voice.

"Kill her," he said.

And Rukundo fainted.

Rukundo had met her husband 11 years earlier, right after she arrived in Australia from Burundi, according to the BBC. He was a recent refugee from Congo, and they had the same social worker at the resettlement agency that helped them get on their feet. Since Kalala already knew English, their social worker often recruited him to translate for Rukundo, who spoke Swahili.

They fell in love, moved in together in the Melbourne suburb of Kings Park, and had three children (Rukundo also had five kids from a previous relationship). She learned more about her husband's past - he had fled a rebel army that had ransacked his village, killing his wife and young son. She also learned more about his character.

"I knew he was a violent man," Rukundo told the BBC. "But I didn't believe he can kill me."

But, it appeared, he could.

Rukundo came to in the strange building somewhere near Bujumbura. The kidnappers were still there, she told the ABC.

They weren't going to kill her, the men then explained - they didn't believe in killing women, and they knew her brother. But they would keep her husband's money and tell him that she was dead. After two days, they set her free on the side of a road, but not before giving her a cellphone, recordings of their phone conversations with Kalala, and receipts for the $7,000 in Australian dollars they allegedly received in payment, according to Australia's The Age newspaper.

"We just want you to go back, to tell other stupid women like you what happened," Rukundo said she was told before the gang members drove away.

Shaken, but alive and doggedly determined, Rukundo began plotting her next move. She sought help from the Kenyan and Belgian embassies to return to Australia, according to The Age. Then she called the pastor of her church in Melbourne, she told the BBC, and explained to him what had happened. Without alerting Kalala, the pastor helped her get back home to her neighborhood near Melbourne.

Meanwhile, her husband had told everyone she had died in a tragic accident and the entire community mourned her at her funeral at the family home. On the night of Feb. 22, 2015, just as the widower Kalala waved goodbye to neighbors who had come to comfort him, Rukundo approached him, the very man whose voice she'd heard over the phone five days earlier, ordering that she be killed.

"I felt like somebody who had risen again," she told the BBC.

Though Kalala initially denied all involvement, Rukundo got him to confess to the crime during a phone conversation that was secretly recorded by police, according to The Age.

"Sometimes Devil can come into someone, to do something, but after they do it they start thinking, 'Why I did that thing?' later," he said, as he begged her to forgive him.

Kalala eventually pleaded guilty to the scheme. He was sentenced to nine years in prison by a judge in Melbourne.

"Had Ms. Rukundo's kidnappers completed the job, eight children would have lost their mother," Chief Justice Marilyn Warren said, according to the ABC. "It was premeditated and motivated by unfounded jealousy, anger and a desire to punish Ms. Rukundo."

Rukundo said that Kalala tried to kill her because he thought she was going to leave him for another man - an accusation she denies.

But her trials are not yet over. Rukundo told the ABC she's gotten backlash from Melbourne's Congolese community for reporting Kalala to the police. Someone left threatening messages for her, and she returned home one day to find her back door broken. She now has eight children to raise alone and has asked the Department of Human Services to help her find a new place to live.

And lying in bed at night, Kalala's voice still comes to her: "Kill her, kill her," she told the BBC. "Every night, I see what was happening in those two days with the kidnappers."

Despite all that, "I will stand up like a strong woman," she said. "My situation, my past life? That is gone. I'm starting a new life now."

Ghetto Youths International - the independent record label owned and operated by Bob Marley's sons Damian, Julian and Stephen - releases the third installment of Set Up Shop. The compliation series stands true to GYI ethos of making messgae music. Hence, the opening track "The Message," which sets the precedent for the album. The song by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Trinidadian soca star Bunji Garlin is passionate forward-thinking song fights for the souls of our youth and future generation.

The compilation continues with thought-provoking material. Damian Marley revamps Stephen "Ragga" Marley's anthem "Hey Baby" (feat. Mos Def) into a stellar one drop remix. Stephen also addresses the ongoing cycle of youth violence on his most recent single Ghetto Boy (feat. Bounty Killer & Cobra), while Julian Marley proclaims "Lemme Go" in light of the recent ganja decriminilazation laws in Jamaica, off the popular On The Corner riddim (produced by Damian Marley). Reggae's rising star Kabaka Pyramid also voices over the the riddim, addressing all the crooked polticians on this powerful open letter to the gatekeepers.

Ghetto Youths labelmates, like Jo Mersa featured on Morgan Heritage's "Light It Up," Black-Am-I on new solo singles "Vessel" and "Living Dread" and Christopher Ellis on "Glory," all shine on the collection. Newcomer Skip Marley also delivers on his latest hit "Cry To Me," while reggae legends Third World pave new ground on "YinMasGan." "Rude Bwoy" is a powerhouse collaboration featuring the GYI massive ( Stephen Marley, Jo Mersa, Julian Marley, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Black-Am-I, Wayne Marshall) plus more (Determine) that will have reggae purists rewinding and pulling up until early morning.

They've been inseparable since confirming their romance earlier this year.

And Blac Chyna was joined by her boyfriend Rob Kardashian as she posed for a seriously sexy photoshoot on the beach in Los Angeles, revealing far more than onlookers bargained for as she posed topless in a pair of bikini briefs.

The 27-year-old model showcased her incredible curves for the cameras, displaying her ample assets and voluptuous rear in an array of skimpy swimwear as a grinning Rob proudly cheered her on from the sidelines, happily showing his face in public after years as a recluse.

Blac Chyna's hourglass figure was on full display as she frolicked on the sand, ensuring her bulbous bottom was the centre of attention during the shoot, promoting 138 Water by DRE.

Lunging into a squat, the former exotic dancer proved she had a rotund derriere to rival even Kim Kardashian as she posed in an itsy bitsy red two-piece.

The daring swimsuit, which boasted black and white stripe detailing across the chest, barely contained her pert posterior as she performed an array of sensual poses.

Blac later showed off more than she anticipated when she stripped off her bikini top, exposing her ample cleavage.

Changing into a simple black two-piece, the social media sensation waded into the shallows, where she had to contend with the waves as she attempted to cut a sultry figure.

After drying off, the curvy star stretched out on a rock formation, rehydrating herself as she showcased her flat stomach and toned thighs.

Rob certainly didn't seem to mind hanging around the set all day, beaming from ear-to-ear as he followed her around like a puppy dog.

The formerly reclusive Keeping Up With The Kardahsians star, who revealed his newly-shaven face, happily assisted his curvy girlfriend as she got to work.

Rob congratulated Chyna on a good job following the shoot, holding hands and laughing as they walked back up the beach together.

Despite rumours the Kardshians are angry about Rob taking up with Chyna - who raises son King Cairo with rapper Tyga, who is dating Rob's 18-year-old sister Kylie Jenner - an insider revealed the sock designer is keen for his new girlfriend to get on with his family.

A source told MailOnline: 'Rob and Chyna are going from strength to strength. They're happy living together and he's even taken things to the next step by introducing her to Kris, in spite of the family drama surrounding their relationship.'

Meanwhile, Us Weekly is claiming the lovebirds want to turn their new-found notoriety into cash.

Rob was last seen on Keeping Up With The Kardshians in 2013, struggling with his weight gain and self-confidence issues, as well as battling depression, and has shunned publicity ever since.

However, the sock designer appears to be attempting to turn his life around in recent months, taking to social media more often and actively trying to shed his 100lbs weight gain with the help of his new love.

Sources said that Rob has been claiming his quality of life actually has improved and he's been dieting, working out every day at Chyna's home gym in a bid to get back in shape.

The 28-year-old star and the model are even reportedly looking into creating their own reality show that would not be too unlike his family's Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

'They're talking about it,' said a source. 'It was a joke at first, but then she realized it would be a good show.'

Considering how upset the family is over Rob's new romance - Khloe is 'furious' according to People - it is likely they will try to block Rob and Chyna from working with E!.

Marion Hall, more popularly known as Lady Saw, will be doing back to back shows in America's Tri-state area this March.

Saw, who is still being referred to as the queen of dancehall, despite her public announcement that she will no longer be doing dancehall music, will be performing under her birth name, Marion Hall.

The first show will be held in Bronx, New York, at Evander Child High School on March 25th, the second in New Jersey on March 26th (exact location TBA) and the last in Hartford, Connecticut at the West Indian Social Club Ballroom on March 27th.

Minister Hall, as she is referred to in gospel circles, since her baptism on December 14, 2015, has released some new gospel songs which have been doing extremely well.

Among the slate of events to celebrate reggae icon Bob Marley's 71st birthday is the annual Digicel Redemption Live concert.

The concert will be held at Sabina Park, Sunday, starting at 4 p.m.

"The Redemption Live concert has become a calendar event, every year the event keeps growing, and we are very happy with the successes because it is an indication that our customers are happy.

"Last year we had over 15,000 patrons turning out, downtown, to celebrate with us and over 13,000 viewers of the live stream, worldwide. This year, with the move to Sabina Park, we know it will be bigger and the 48-hours of Bob live stream will make the celebrations even better," said Tari Lovell, sponsorship manager, Digicel.

The 2016 reggae Grammy-nominated, Morgan Heritage has expressed excitement in performing at the concert.

Gramps Morgan, member of the group said, "We are looking forward to Sunday. We haven't performed in Jamaica for while, especially in Kingston.

"Our fans can expect to hear some of their favourite Morgan Heritage hits as well as new songs from our Grammy-nominated album. We want everyone to come out, as we know, with Digicel it will be a first-class production".

Free tickets for the concert will be available at select Digicel dealer stores islandwide. Persons may text 49 to 137, for FREE to find the closest locaton.

However, the concert will also be streamed live on the Digicel YouTube page - www.youtube.com/DigicelJamaica - as a part of the 48 hours of Bob stream, available from midnight Saturday, February 6.

Model and former exotic dancer,, Blac Chyna, is coming to Jamaica to host t Brit-Jam 2016.

Blac Chyna, who is currently dating Rob Kardasian, will make her grand appearance at Flesh, which is one of the shows in a series of 11 events under the Brit-Jam calendar which culminates on March 9 in Western Jamaica.

During her stint at Brit Jam she will also share hosting duties with Yanique 'Curvy Diva' Barrett. According to a spokesperson at Brit-Jam, potential patrons are anticipating Chyna's visit.

"Team Brit-Jam is very happy to welcome Blac Chyna to our Brit-Jam family and we must say she certainly has our male followers excited, as presold ticket sales have skyrocketed since her addition," the Brit-Jam spokesperson shared.

The annual event is now celebrating six years of success and has pulled many overseas patrons to Jamaica each year. Brit-Jam will also feature the likes of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Gully Bop, I-Octane, Demarco, Aidonia, Tanto Blacks, Kymani Marley, Sizzla and Jahmiel, as well as selectors Tony Matterhorn, Coppershot and Crazy Dean.

Toronto, CANADA, February 5, 2016: - Unfortunately, an acrimonious report on a particular website states that dancehall sensation, Tanto Blacks, was bottled at a show in Canada on Thursday night, the same night the artiste arrived in Canada.

We take this opportunity to state that the entire report is a total fabrication and emphasise that no such incident took place. The quotation in the article, allegedly from Tanto Blacks is false; the quote from the promoter is also totally untrue.

Tanto Blacks did not perform at any event in Canada on Thursday night. He arrived at the Pearson airport in Toronto at at 6:30 pm on an Air Canada flight. We checked in at the hotel, went to have some food, did an interview on an Internet radio and went back to the hotel.

We were supposed to go downtown, but Tanto said he was tired, so he didn't leave the hotel at all after that.

Tanto is booked to perform at the Classic Lounge in Toronto tonight, Friday, February 5, 2016.

We challenge the website to state the name of the venue where the alleged incident occurred and provide pictures and video footage of the alleged incident.

Tanto Blacks was not bottled in Canada on Thursday night, as was erroneously reported by a website on Friday.

In an interview with Yardflex on Friday, Sample King, one of the promoters of the show and also an artiste, stated that no such thing happened and outlined the sequence of events starting from Tanto's arrival in CAnada on Thursday.

"We arrived at Pearson International Airport in Toronto at about 6:30pm, cleared customs, went to the hotel and from there we went t o get something to eat. After that, we went and did an interview on an Internet radio station and returned to the hotel," Sample explained.

He added that the idea was for Tanto to visit a few places in downtown Toronto that night, but the artiste said he was feeling a bit tired and requested to stay at the hote instead.

"Tanto didn't want to go anywhere because he was tired. so we were actually in his room holding a vibe and putting together his itinerary for Friday, when he would make his debut in Toronto. I left Tanto in his room at about 2:00 am," the promoter/artiste told Yardflex.

According to Sample, he has absolutely no idea where such a story could have come from, but he and his team are adamant that a full retraction and apology from the website must be done.

Owing to the fact that the story has gained so much traction online, the promoters put out the following release"

The Jamaican Parliament was dissoved on Friday ahead of the February 25 general election.

All sittings of the House of Representatives and the Senate will cease until a new government is formed.

Despite the dissolution of Parliament, however, ministers of government continue to perform their executive functions, between the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of new ministers, following the election.

However, according to attorney Bert Samuels, there are exceptional circumstances in which, Parliament, despite having been dissolved, could be recalled, in the national interest.

"If a national disaster takes place, between the dissolution of the Parliament and the holding of elections, then the Parliament will come back together, and it will not be taken as being dissolved and the work of the Parliament will continue... and the new date for the election, if it is pushed back, becomes the date on which the Parliament is dissolved."

Bigen, a popular hair dye that is readily available in most Chinese wholesales across Jamaica and also in several pharmacies and hair products stores, has been banned in Britain because it can harm a woman's fertility and endanger her unborn child.

Popular store, Tesco pulled the product from its UK stores following a Europe-wide alert. Sainsbury's said it was also removing the dye from sale.

The removal order followed the discovery of a banned chemical in three hair-care products: Bigen, Blasol and JR Beauty.

The ban came from the EU's Rapid Alert System, Rapex, which warned: 'The list of ingredients indicates that the hair-dye contains sodium perborate. Sodium perborate is toxic if inhaled... [and] may damage fertility or the unborn child.'

Professor Allan Pacey, former chairman of the British Fertility Society, said last night: 'If women are concerned about using the recalled products they should seek medical advice.'

A spokesman for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, which is responsible for recalls, said: 'Sodium perborate is a prohibited substance under the cosmetic products safety regulations because it can cause harm to fertility and unborn children.

'As with any recall consumers and retailers should follow the instructions and in this case they should return the product and ask for a refund.'

A Tesco spokesman: 'Customer safety is always our top priority, so we have taken the precautionary measure of issuing a product recall for the Bigen hair dye range.'

'A Sainsbury's spokesman added: 'We are taking the Bigen product off the shelves.'

00 person, including prostitutes, were arrested early Saturday morning during a Police Operation in St Andrew.

Police report that a team led the St Andrew Central Division went to select locations in the Kingston 5 area - known to be a regular hangout for prostitutes and drug addicts - including Ripon Road, Eureka Road and Eureka Crescent, and made the arrests. The operation was launched as the Police heighten their drive around public order issues, with an emphasis on enforcing Section 7 of the Town and Communities Act.

Cops from the Kingston Western Division, the Caribbean Search Centre, the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), the Mobile Reserve and the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) were also on hand..

Police say the four-hour operation, began about 1:00 AM.

One man, identified as Allan Jacob, a 47-year-old driver of North Avenue, Kingston 5 was charged for possession of cocaine and ganja. He is booked to appear in the Half Way Tree Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday, March 14. Two other persons were also charged under the National Solid Waste Management Act.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2016) - Marley Natural, the official Bob Marley cannabis brand, today debuted a broad-based collection of cannabis and lifestyle products designed with deep respect for Bob Marley's legacy and belief in the positive potential of the herb to heal and inspire us.

"We are fortunate to be living during a promising time of positive change, especially with regard to cannabis and how people understand it. My dad would be so happy to see so many people appreciating the natural, healing power of the herb. We are thrilled to be sharing Marley Natural products with the world just in time for his 71st birthday," said Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's daughter.

Marley Natural's inaugural product line includes:

Four categories of all-natural, locally-sourced, sun-grown cannabis flower and oil;

A naturally-derived line of body care products that blend the moisturizing power of hemp seed oil with Jamaican botanicals;

A collection of smoking, storage and preparation accessories made from sustainably grown American Black Walnut wood and heat-resistant, and oil are hand-selected from local farms run by experienced growers committed to sustainable growing practices. Sun-grown, natural and untainted by harmful pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers, all Marley Natural products are tested and clearly labeled for potency, purity and safety. Initially available exclusively in California, distribution of Marley Natural cannabis flower and oil will expand to other U.S. states where cannabis is legal in 2016 and internationally in 2017. Marley Natural cannabis flower and oil are available in four categories, each featuring different strains depending on harvest availability:

Marley Green features hybrid strains recommended for people beginning their journey with Marley Natural. Marley Green strains have balanced levels of THC that combine the cerebral effects of sativa with the physical relaxation of indica. Marley Green strains are appropriate for anytime use.

Marley Gold features sativa strains that offer energetic, uplifting effects that may produce a more cerebral experience compared to other cannabis strains. Marley Gold strains are appropriate for daytime use.

Marley Red features CBD-rich strains that combine CBD and THC in a beneficial ratio. CBD-rich cannabis is frequently reported to provide patients and consumers with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-anxiety properties without the psychoactive effects of strains high in THC. Marley Red strains are appropriate for anytime use.

Marley Black features indica strains recommended for connoisseurs seeking a more physical, full-body experience. Marley Black strains are high in THC and appropriate

A mother and her two children are suspected to have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in Three Hills, St Mary on Thursday, February 4.

They have been identified as 37-year-old Charla Thompson-Young and her two children- 12-year-old Brandon Young and 4-year-old Leslie Ann Young, all of Three Hills in St Mary.

Reports from the Retreat Police are that about 7:30 am, Mrs Young's sister went to the house where she discovered the bodies. The Police was called in and the bodies were seen in the house. Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that a gas generator, which was housed in the living room, was reportedly left turned on overnight with the house locked-up.

Jamaica and Bob Marley will be the theme for Destination Fridays, an event coordinated by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center and the Broward County College in the United States.

The event will take place as part of their black history month celebrations at the Cultural Center.

The event scheduled for Friday, will highlight the life of Bob Marley in tribute to the reggae icon.

The black history month celebratory event which is back by popular demand will feature Jamaican cultural items and Jamaican cuisine.

Executive Director of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Elaina Norlin says a particular destination is chosen for one Friday in every month one and activities are done surrounding that location.

After taking over sections of the place with gimmicks, it would seem that entertainer Tanto Blacks is finally being taken seriously and even he is giving God thanks for opeing doors for him. Tanto, along with his Canada-based new best friend, Sample King, will be performing in Toronto this weekend for the first time ever.

"I have to thank Father God enuh. A him mek everything possible, without him, we're nothing. We have to live clean. A first me a go dem big country deh, a father God open this door fi me," he said.

"Me get a visa fi go Canada and now a di work me ago put in over Canada. God great to me, that shows I improved a lot. Me deh a di airport now and di amount a people weh a tek me picture right now. Dem a wave to me and a smile as I'm talking to you. Di people dem a confuse me, I can't even turn, they're scrutinising me from my shoes to my cap," he reportedly told one popular tabloid..

The Bob Marley Foundation and 56 Hope Road Music Limited have filed a lawsuit against the singer who claims to be the son of reggae icon, Bob Marley, and who has been using the name Fabian Marley.

The Bob Marley Foundation controls the rights to the Bob Marley name in Jamaica, while 56 Hope Road Music controls the rights to the name in the rest of the world.

Fabian Marley, who was born Oniel Stanford in 1968, changed his name by deed poll in 2012 to his current name. He also uses the moniker 'Gong Kid'. However, last month, his former manager, Clayton Thomas issued a release stating that a DNA test revealed that Fabian Marley is not, in fact, the son of the reggae legend.

Fabian has publicly refused to accept the results of the DNA, calling it "illegal". And while he has stated that he will stop saying that he is the son of Bob Marley, he has insisted that he will continue to use the name Fabian Marley.

"Fabian Marley is my name," he told Yardflex in an interview. "It is registered with the United States government. I will continue to use this name as my official name, but my stage name is now Fabian The Truth," he asserted at the time.

In court documents filed on Wednesday, the companies are seeking an injunction restraining Fabian Marley from using the Bob Marley name or associating himself or any of his business activities with Bob Marley's name or image.

The court is also being asked to order Fabian Marley to stop using the name Marley and to change his last name.They are also seeking damages for passing off and appropriation of personality.

They say Fabian Marley markets himself as the son of Bob Marley, which is likely to lead the public to believe that he and his music are associated with Bob Marley.They say he has been asked repeatedly to stop using the name, but has refused to do so.

Diamond Music Empire recording artiste Shauna Chin has denied recent online reports that she and Gully Bop may be getting back together.

"Gully Bop ah call off mi phone say him waan mi back and dem ting de, and ah say mi mustn't talk to anybody else. But I am not going back into any relationship with him. It's over. Mi see him pon front page a paper ah model with new girl, she look like a groupie, a definite downgrade from me, so that can't hot up my head," a defiant Shauna Chin said.

She will be making her first public appearance with Gully Bop on February 6th during the Nine Miles Music Festival in St. Ann.

"Shauna Chin aka Chin Chin will be performing alongside Gully Bop, I don't really know what is going to happen onstage, if they are going to clash, they will clash. It should be a nice event to come to," Harry Shivnani of the Nine Miles Foundation, a promoter of the festival, said.

With live streaming being seen as a viable option for promoters, artistes and music lovers, it is only natural that the highly anticipated, inaugural One Love Music Festival, scheduled to take place at the stately Rose Hall Great House Lawns and Aqueduct, in Montego Bay, will be streamed live on Friday night.

According to Clayton Thomas of Massive Entertainment Group, which is usng its expertise in this area to provide the live stream, this is a fantastic opportunity for the thousands of music fans across the globe to share in this one-of-a-kind musical experience which will feature a fusion of contemporary and seasoned musical talents sharing the same stage at the Aqueduct.

"We know that not everybody will be able to make it to the live show, and a live stream is definitely the next best option for those who want to participate in this multi-genre musical feast. Fans of reggae music, especially, will be able to feel the vibes in a mystic way. The sounds and sights of the festival -- and perhaps even the smells -- are virtually relayed to them live in their very own homes. Music fans can tune in to the live stream and "feel alright" as they experience the true 'One Love' experience which Bob Marley sang so passionately about," Thomas said.

The inaugural One Love Music Festival hosted by Tuff Gong is a two-day fundraising event to celebrate Bob Marley's life and legacy by supporting ongoing charity projects through the Bob Marley Foundation in partnership with Rose Hall Developments and Sandals Foundation.

Music fans who opt to attend the One Love Music Festival virtually via the live stream can log on to massivevybz.com where the countdown has already begun. The cost is US$20.

The new generation is ready to shine with third generation Marley songster, Skip, along with hot young artistes Kranium, Devin Di Dakta, and Sabrina the Diva, as well as event ambassadors, D'Burnz and CK, on the lineup for the One Love Music Festival, which takes place this week at Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica on February 4-5.

The two-day fundraiser celebrates the life of a legend, the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, and will benefit a number of ongoing charities, including SOS Children's Village, through the Bob Marley Foundation, Rose Hall Developments, and Sandals Foundation.

Third generation musical Marley, Skip (born 1996), is flying the flag high with his recent single and video "Cry To Me" which was released on the Tuff Gong label and reached number one on the EDM.com chart. His 2015 single "Life" also has topped charts globally and recently brought success to the new Sandals global ad campaign with his modern recording of his grandfather's classic "Three Little Birds."

Earning the name Kranium for his ability to record songs "straight off the head" with no pen or paper, in a very short time, he has established himself with breakout hit "Nobody Has to Know." The vivacious CK has released tracks by Konshens ("Body of the Year") and Ding Dong in addition to her own solo effort "Jus Don't Love You." D'Burnz has been attracting great interest in his single, "Bet You Neva Know." He has also been featured on local television as well as on the Wickie Wackie Music Fest and other notable live music events.

Kranium, CK, D'Burnz, Devin Di Dakta, and Sabrina the Diva represent the "next wave" of Jamaican pop stars. As expected, their sounds draw from the plethora of sonic colours but refashioned and spiced up for the present generation and beyond.

Writer, comedian, and one of the festival's MCs, Iceman, quickly gained the respect of his peers in entertainment writing music for Shaggy and Gramps Morgan, as well as getting writing and performance credit on the soundtrack for the urban-Jamaican cult classic "Shottas." His Debut Animated Film Ladies Man gone very wrong will be released in a couple months. Iceman's debut comedy album, Breadfruit Tree, was released last year and his first musical release will be released by Tuff Gong at the end of the year.

"One Love Music Festival represents quality music and overall integrity. A great event featuring top artistes who care about the music," states Iceman. He and his management team, led by JR Watkis, endorse this kind of progress. "We have no doubt that the community will benefit from the festival," he continues, "Bob Marley's spirit lives on."

The first female in RJR fm's afternoon slot and first ever TV Host of 'The Tastee Talent Trail,' ZJ Sparks is one of the few radio jocks demonstrably comfortable in a multi-genre setting. The former 'Royal Palm Estate' actress and budding music producer has a growing global rep that allows her to easily transition from upscale club rooms and corporate events to the annual Carnival celebrations to the streets.

"I am proud to be a part of the One Love festival because Bob Marley espoused unity and love which is something the world needs. Not only that," shares ZJ Sparks "but his name is synonymous with Brand Jamaica, entrepreneurship, feeling good and mental freedom. It is good to see that his children have perpetuated his philosophies and I am happy to be on board such an event."

These up and coming stars as well as the media hosts par excellence, Iceman and ZJ Sparks, join the likes of Akon, Kymani Marley and a host of other top musical acts at the famed Rose Hall Aqueduct, on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Tuff Gong CEO and Creative Director, Cedella Marley, said her father would undoubtedly have been proud to see his musical and social legacy extended through the event and via the upcoming artistes.

While revealing such news to loved ones is a big deal for anyone, Steffan said for him it was heightened by homophobia and transphobia in Jamaica.

A 2014 poll by a Jamaican newspaper found 72 per cent of the population do not support giving transgender people equal rights.

Jamaica has also been called the most homophobic country in the world because of the high level of violent crime directed at LGBT people.

Sexual activity between men is illegal and punishable with up to ten years imprisonment, however sexual acts between women are legal.

The United Nations has criticised the country's government for not protecting transgender people under law and many are the victims of violent abuse.

Steffan said: 'Being of a Jamaican background it is usually seen as an "embarrassment" to go against the norm.

'My parents were very traditionalised and this made it even more difficult to even explain what transgender is never mind telling them I was thinking about transitioning.'Steffan's Jamaican mother, who lives with him in Birmingham, has accepted his transition but didn't support his decision to return to Jamaica as a male.

'Her main concern is my safety. She is Jamaican and knows what the possibilities are, she said "they don't care, they will kill you",' he said.

Despite his fear for rejection and his mother's warning, Steffan went ahead and told his relatives who he really is after flying back to Kingston.

He told FEMAIL: 'Most of my family members had different reactions - some were shocked, others had an idea already. But two of my sisters and nieces seem to be very supportive of me now and I'm happy about that.'

The documentary films Steffan breaking the news to his older brother, Gilla, who was surprised but told his sibling: 'You have to live your life as yourself, nobody can really stop that, that's your life, that's how it goes.'

Still struggling to call his brother by his new pronoun, he explained to the camera: 'She is still family.

'People out here look on things differently. They look on it as weird. She was a girl and now she looks more like man, they will think that makes her different.

'You have men who are what we call gay, and people don't like it out here. And you have people called lesbians, they more go for that than they would a gay man.'

Like Steffan, Romario had also plucked up the courage to tell his family that he was making a transition to be male.

The pair became friends at college six years ago and decided to travel back to Jamaica together to give one another moral support.

Romario, who is in his twenties, had already spoken to his mother about it and said she is 'extremely supportive of me now' but had 'mixed emotions at first'.

He travelled back to Kingston to break the news to his sister who he hadn't seen for years.

'Hopefully when she sees me she won't run away,' he said as she hasn't seen him as a man before.

She admitted she still loved him as a sibling but 'didn't believe transitioning is right'.

She said: 'I don't believe in it but I accept it as you are my family. I don't believe in transgender, not that it exists but believing it is right because the Bible says it is wrong.'

Two friends who were born as girls in Jamaica but have lived as men since moving to the UK have revealed how difficult it was to return to their birthplace and tell their families they are transgender.

Steffan Zachiyah and Romario Wanliss, who live in Birmingham, never felt comfortable growing up as female and both started making the transition to be male in adulthood.

Steffan, 25, explains in a BBC Newsbeat documentary: 'I have never felt female but I used to play the part.'

He added in an interview with FEMAIL: 'I first knew from around ten but I didn't know what it was that I was feeling, all I know is that I decided to explore my sexuality before realising that it wasn't my sexuality that was the issue, it was my assigned gender.

'At age 19 I decided to broaden my horizons and research more around transgender after meeting an old friend who was transitioning.

'From there I knew I was Trans but I wasn't confident enough to admit it to anyone around me because I feared being judged.'

The admin worker has been living as a man since he moved to the UK six years ago and decided to medically transition in 2014. He has started hormone treatment and is on a waiting list for surgery.

However, he had not yet told all his family back in Jamaica about his transition as he feared how they would react.

On previous visits to his home country he had made an effort to look more feminine but this year he decided it was time to tell the truth.

The Jamaican House of Representatives met for the final time on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Friday's dissolution of Parliament, in preparation for fresh elections on February 25.

It was also the last sitting for Michael Peart, the longest serving Speaker in the history of the Jamaican Parliament.

Mr. Peart, who has been the Member of Parliament for Manchester Southern since 1992, will not be seeking re-election, having served for five terms.

He first became Speaker in 2002 and served in that capacity until 2007, when the People's National Party lost the election of September 3 that year. When the PNP regained its parliamentary majority in the December 29, 2011 election, he was returned to the Speaker's chair.

Earning praise from both sides of the aisle in the House, Peart reflected on his years as Speaker, saying "the sometimes raucous Parliament was a source of energy for me."

Admitting that "the odd one of two" incidents "made life a little bit difficult for me at times," he nevertheless said it had been a fulfilling experience, and thanked members on both sides "for the trust that we developed in each other."

Having served a combined nine years in the Speaker's chair, Peart eclipsed all his predecessors in the post. Ripton McPherson, who served eight years (1972-1980), and B.B. Coke, seven years (1955-1962), are second and third respectively.

It is noteworthy that the mainstream science discussions on how to "solve" the Zika problem all involve medical, biotech and pesticide companies making a whole lot of money. The top three solutions being pushed right now are:

1) Release yet more genetically engineered mosquitoes.

2) Fumigate Brazil with toxic pesticide chemicals.

3) Urgently develop a Zika vaccine and have everybody injected.

It is no coincidence that these three solutions map perfectly to three powerful industries with strong government ties:

1) Big Biotech.

2) Agribusiness pesticide giants (like Monsanto).

3) Big Pharma and the vaccine industry.

In fact, the meme about Zika is spreading far faster than Zika itself. If there's any pandemic really taking place right now, it's a "pandemic of CDC propaganda" that has infected almost everyone.

Stay informed on all this by monitoring AlternativeNews.com which posts real-time headlines throughout the day.

(NaturalNews) Zika is now a sexually transmitted disease, says Dallas County Health and Human Services and the CDC. According to this story from the AP, Zika virus has been acquired by a Texas resident via sexual contact with an infected person.

But that's not all...

According to Dr. Amesh Adalja at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Zika virus may already have infected the emergency blood supply because blood donors are not screened for Zika.

We've also been told by the CDC that 80% of Zika carriers are symptomless, "silent" carriers, meaning they carry Zika but don't even know it. What happens when these people donate blood or engage in normal sexual activity with others?

The answer is that they would be spreading Zika virus to others.

Hence the panic we're all witnessing in the media.

But are we all being played?

When it comes to any virus, however -- Ebola, Bird Flu, Zika, etc. -- we've all learned over the last decade or so that the CDC and the WHO are usually lying about one or more important components of their official narratives.

The narrative almost always goes something like this: "The horror! This new virus is devastating humankind! We urgently need billions of dollars in vaccine funding from the government!"

And then the terrorized government ponies up a few billion dollars in emergency medicine vaccine research funding, and all the scientists and corporations rake in the dollars while the pandemic dies down on its own.

So we have to be cautious because none of us has any direct way to confirm anything we're told by the CDC. The CDC can fabricate anything it wants with near absolute immunity from real scientific scrutiny. And history has shown us that every time there's an opportunity to scare the population with another virus, both the CDC and WHO are quick to declare a "global pandemic" when there really isn't one.

So be cautious with the news about Zika. On one hand, it might be far worse than they're telling us and a legitimate threat to life throughout the Americas because of the genetically engineered mosquito experiment gone awry. But on the other end of the spectrum, this might be a false narrative being pushed by the vaccine industry to create yet another public scare so they can rake in more "research" money while demanding medical obedience from the public.

NYC: The Saudicka Diaram Show (SDS), a weekly entertainment and lifestyle talk show in Jamaica has inked a deal with Caribbean International Network (CIN-TV). CIN TV is a television channel in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) watched by over half-a-million Caribbean nationals on channels 73 and Verizon Fios 26. The SDS, will premier in the tri-state on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 1:30pm and 6pm.

"I am grateful for this opportunity as I will have a much larger platform. My work will have a wider reach and different audiences will gain access to the entertainment and lifestyle issues aired on my show. I will be able to ventilate the entertainment and lifestyle issues prevalent in the Caribbean and specifically Jamaica before a wider audience. I have received emails from hundreds of fans living overseas wanting to know when the show would reach across borders and get to their living rooms. The plan is to start in NY and then take the show to other markets" Diaram informed.

Stephen Hill, CEO of CIN TV had high praises for Diaram saying that she has the most popular talk show on Television Jamaica (TVJ).

"She is Jamaica's Oprah Winfrey and brings an engaging presence and her upcoming airing on CINTV will attract another large audience to the CIN platform. The personalities and topics that she covers will entertain the large Caribbean audience in New York" he said.

Diaram, who serves as host and producer said since the program debuted on TVJ last August, it has made an impact among teenage and adult viewers.

"Thus far we have done extremely well. We have explored the surge of cosmetic surgery in Jamaica where we featured celebrity plastic surgeon 'Doctor Miami.' We have also secured an intimate interview with Olympian Novlene Mills about her journey and battle with breast cancer. The issue of 'fluffy women' was a big hit. We also featured former dancehall artiste Miss Ting who is now a Christian and preparing for a career in the gospel music industry and most recently I sat down with iconic selector Sky Juice who shared his remarkable contribution to dancehall.

My team and I hope to continue bring refreshing, exciting content to television, while showcasing topics and issues that are universal" Diaram said.

Having renouncwed the dancehall in favour of following the straight and naroow Christian path, Marion Hall is overjoyed and is chanelling all her creative energies inot producing hearfelt gospel songs.

She recently recorded two new tracks,"Dash Holy Ghost" and "The Lord is with me" and in an interview she stated that even those in the studio with her at the time were deply moved by the songs.

"Sanchez and his wife were with me when I was recording and they said they got goose bumps," the former Lady Saw who is delighting in her Christian walk said in a radio interview.

Minister Marion is this week releasing the two new gospel tracks before she leaving the island for a string of shows in the United States.

The gigs in the US mark Marion's first stage performances since the former dancehall queen got baptized on December 14 last year.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Sunday night at a mass rally, staged by her governing People's National Party in Half-Way-Tree, St. Andrew.

Nomination Day has been scheduled for February 9.

In a swift response to the election date announcement, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness declared that the Prime Minister was forced by circumstances to schedule a short election campaign, and set it ahead of the tabling of the 2016/2017 national budget.

There were stringent austerity measures to come in the budget, in keeping with the requirement of the country's current agreement with the International Monetary Fund, he declared, citing this as the reason for the timing of the election.

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) administration is distancing itself from comments made by its vice president for spiritual affairs at a People's National Party (PNP) rally in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew last night.

In offering prayers at the mass meeting, Pastor Michael Harvey urged Jamaicans to support the PNP.

Like the NCU Church did, in a statement the NCU administration distanced itself from Harvey's comments.

"As an institution owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Northern Caribbean University does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office - a position that is based on our denomination's historical position of separation of church and state," said and NCU spokesperson.

NCU said while individual members of the university community are free to support or oppose any candidate for office, it remains neutral on all candidates for office and all university property remain a neutral space in respect of elections.

"Members of our community are free to participate in the voting process according to the dictates of their own conscience but denominational employees are expected to exercise extreme care not to express views in their denominational capacity about any candidate for office or any political party," the spokesperson said.

The NCU administration said while it values all workers and institutional leaders, it maintains its long-standing historical support for the separation of church and state by not endorsing or opposing any candidate or political party.

A constable, suspected to be involved in the international drug trade, has been charged, following a recent drug bust at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport.

Constable Valdano Smith was charged with cocaine trafficking on the weekend, following a ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions. He has been charged jointly with Anthony Robinson, a 56 year-old retired police corporal.

The men were arrested by on January 22, during an operation at the airport.

The cops said they seized several packages with ten pounds of cocaine in a car in which the men were sitting.

A constable, attached to the airport, was also arrested, but he was later released, pending further investigations.

Constable Smith and Mr Robinson are scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Is it the dTap purtusis vaccines administered at 22 weeks of pregnancy or the GM Mosquitoes recently released that are causing the birth defect seen in theses poor babies?

The Zika virus has been known to infect people in Africa, South and Central America and Asia for more than 70 years without causing any birth defects. The Brazilian government declared an emergency in December after 2,400 babies were found to be born with shrunken heads and brain defects believed to be linked to mosquitoes carrying the Zika Virus. The number of babies born with the defects has been rising significantly since then.

But could there be a link between the introduction of the Tdap vaccination that women in Latin America were urged to get before they were 22 weeks pregnant, and the birth of babies with these deformities called "Microcephaly" (literally 'tiny head')?

The following is an article from Brazilian shrunken head babies blog:

In late 2014, the Ministry of Health of Brazil announced the introduction of the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine for all pregnant women in that country as part of its routine vaccination program. The move was aimed at trying to contain the resurgence of pertussis in Brazil.

In December 2015, the Brazilian government declared an emergency after 2,400 Brazilian babies were found to be born with shrunken heads (microcephaly) and damaged brains since October. Brazilian public health officials don't know what is causing the increase in microcephaly cases in babies born in Brazil, but they are theorizing that it may be caused by a virus known as "Zika," which is spread by mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti)--in the same way as is the West Nile virus.

The theory is largely based on the fact that they found the Zika virus in a baby with microcephaly following an autopsy of the dead child. The virus was also found in the amniotic fluid of two mothers whose babies had the condition. Note that Zika is not a new virus; it has been around for decades. No explanation has been given as to why suddenly it could be causing all these cases of microcephaly. No one is seriously asking the question, "What has changed?"

There is no theorizing about the possibility that the cases of microcephaly could be linked to the mandating of the Tdap vaccine for all pregnant women in Brazil about 10 months earlier. The government has "assumed" the cause is a virus.

FACT--Drug companies did not test the safety and effectiveness of giving Tdap vaccine to pregnant women before the vaccines were licensed in the U.S. and there is almost no data on inflammatory or other biological responses to this vaccine that could affect pregnancy and birth outcomes.

FACT--According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adequate testing has not been done in humans to demonstrate safety for pregnant women and it is not known whether the vaccines can cause fetal harm or affect reproduction capacity. The manufacturers of the Tdap vaccine state that human toxicity and fertility studies are inadequate and warn that Tdap should "be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed."

FACT--There are ingredients pertussis containing Tdap vaccine that have not been fully evaluated for potential genotoxic or other adverse effects on the human fetus developing in the womb that may negatively affect health after birth, including aluminum adjuvants, mercury containing (Thimerosal) preservatives and many more bioactive and potentially toxic ingredients.

FACT--There are serious problems with outdated testing procedures for determining the potency and toxicity of pertussis vaccines and some scientists are calling for limits to be established for specific toxin content of pertussis-containing vaccines.

FACT--There are no published biological mechanism studies that assess pre-vaccination health status and measure changes in brain and immune function and chromosomal integrity after vaccination of pregnant women or their babies developing in the womb.

FACT--Since licensure of Tdap vaccine in the U.S., there have been no well designed prospective case controlled studies comparing the health outcomes of large groups of women who get pertussis containing Tdap vaccine during pregnancy either separately or simultaneously compared to those who do not get the vaccines, and no similar health outcome comparisons of their newborns at birth or in the first year of life have been conducted. Safety and effectiveness evaluations that have been conducted are either small, retrospective, compare vaccinated women to vaccinated women or have been performed by drug company or government health officials using unpublished data.

FACT--FACT--The FDA has licensed Tdap vaccines to be given once as a single dose pertussis booster shot to individuals over 10 or 11 years old. The CDC's recommendation that doctors give every pregnant woman a Tdap vaccination during every pregnancy--regardless of whether a woman has already received one dose of Tdap--is an off-label use of the vaccine.

FACT--Injuries and deaths from pertussis-containing vaccines are the most compensated claims in the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and influenza vaccine injuries and deaths are the second most compensated claim.

FACT--A 2013 published study evaluating reports of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following vaccination in the U. S. Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) and in a European vaccine reaction reporting system found that pertussis containing DTaP was among the vaccines most frequently associated with brain inflammation in children between birth and age five.

Tdap is manufactured by two pharmaceutical companies: Sanofi Pasteur of France and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) of the United Kingdom.

Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian government announced on January 15, 2016 it will direct funds to a biomedical research center (Sao Paulo-based Butantan Institute) to help develop a vaccine against Zika. Development of the vaccine is expected to take 3-5 years. Again, no consideration to the irony that you may be developing a vaccine to address a problem that may have been CAUSED by a vaccine, and that that new vaccine may COMPOUND the problem No consideration to the possibility that the answer to the problem may not be to do MORE, but rather to do LESS (simply STOP giving Tdap to pregnant women).

The number of cases of microcephaly in Brazil has grown to 3,530 babies, as of mid-January 2016. Fewer than 150 such cases were seen in all of 2014. Has this vaccine been used in the US in that time period? If it had, you would see a lot more problems there as well. Is it Zika, something else, a combination? Scary situation all around.

FACT: The HadCRUT3 surface temperature index, produced by the Hadley Centre of the UK Met Office and the Climate Research Unit of the University of East Anglia, shows warming to 1878, cooling to 1911, warming to 1941, cooling to 1964, warming to 1998 and cooling through 2011. The warming rate from 1964 to 1998 was the same as the previous warming from 1911 to 1941. Satellites, weather balloons and ground stations all show cooling since 2001. The mild warming of 0.6 to 0.8 C over the 20th century is well within the natural variations recorded in the last millennium. The ground station network suffers from an uneven distribution across the globe; the stations are preferentially located in growing urban and industrial areas ("heat islands"), which show substantially higher readings than adjacent rural areas ("land use effects"). Two science teams have shown that correcting the surface temperature record for the effects of urban development would reduce the reported warming trend over land from 1980 by half. There has been no catastrophic warming recorded.

MYTH 2: The "hockey stick" graph proves that the earth has experienced a steady, very gradual temperature decrease for 1000 years, then recently began a sudden increase.

FACT: Significant changes in climate have continually occurred throughout geologic time. For instance, the Medieval Warm Period, from around 1000 to1200 AD (when the Vikings farmed on Greenland) was followed by a period known as the Little Ice Age. Since the end of the 17th Century the "average global temperature" has been rising at the low steady rate mentioned above; although from 1940 - 1970 temperatures actually dropped, leading to a Global Cooling scare.

The "hockey stick", a poster boy of both the UN's IPCC and Canada's Environment Department, ignores historical recorded climatic swings, and has now also been proven to be flawed and statistically unreliable as well. It is a computer construct and a faulty one at that. See here for more information.

MYTH 3: Human produced carbon dioxide has increased over the last 100 years, adding to the Greenhouse effect, thus causing most of the earth's warming of the last 100 years.

FACT: Carbon dioxide levels have indeed changed for various reasons, human and otherwise, just as they have throughout geologic time. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the CO2 content of the atmosphere has increased by about 120 part per million (ppm), most of which is likely due to human-caused CO2 emissions. The RATE of growth during this century has been about 0.55%/year. However, there is no proof that CO2 is the main driver of global warming. As measured in ice cores dated over many thousands of years, CO2 levels move up and down AFTER the temperature has done so, and thus are the RESULT OF, NOT THE CAUSE of warming. Geological field work in recent sediments confirms this causal relationship. There is solid evidence that, as temperatures move up and down naturally and cyclically through solar radiation, orbital and galactic influences, the warming surface layers of the earth's oceans expel more CO2 as a result.

MYTH 4: CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas.

FACT: Greenhouse gases form about 3% of the atmosphere by volume. They consist of varying amounts, (about 97%) of water vapour and clouds, with the remainder being gases like CO2, CH4, Ozone and N2O, of which carbon dioxide is the largest amount. Hence, CO2 constitutes about 0.04% of the atmosphere. While the minor gases are more effective as "greenhouse agents" than water vapour and clouds, the latter are overwhelming the effect by their sheer volume and - in the end - are thought to be responsible for 75% of the "Greenhouse effect". (See here) At current concentrations, a 3% change of water vapour in the atmosphere would have the same effect as a 100% change in CO2.

Those attributing climate change to CO2 rarely mention these important facts.

FACT: The computer models assume that CO2 is the primary climate driver, and that the Sun has an insignificant effect on climate. Using the output of a model to verify its initial assumption is committing the logical fallacy of circular reasoning. Computer models can be made to roughly match the 20th century temperature rise by adjusting many input parameters and using strong positive feedbacks. They do not "prove" anything. Also, computer models predicting global warming are incapable of properly including the effects of the sun, cosmic rays and the clouds. The sun is a major cause of temperature variation on the earth surface as its received radiation changes all the time, This happens largely in cyclical fashion. The number and the lengths in time of sunspots can be correlated very closely with average temperatures on earth, e.g. the Little Ice Age and the Medieval Warm Period. Varying intensity of solar heat radiation affects the surface temperature of the oceans and the currents. Warmer ocean water expels gases, some of which are CO2. Solar radiation interferes with the cosmic ray flux, thus influencing the amount ionized nuclei which control cloud cover.

FACT: In a 1996 report by the UN on global warming, two statements were deleted from the final draft approved and accepted by a panel of scientists. Here they are:

1) "None of the studies cited above has shown clear evidence that we can attribute the observed climate changes to increases in greenhouse gases."

2) "No study to date has positively attributed all or part of the climate change to man-made causes"

To the present day there is still no scientific proof that man-made CO2 causes significant global warming.

MYTH 7: CO2 is a pollutant.

FACT: This is absolutely not true. Nitrogen forms 80% of our atmosphere. We could not live in 100% nitrogen either. Carbon dioxide is no more a pollutant than nitrogen is. CO2 is essential to life on earth. It is necessary for plant growth since increased CO2 intake as a result of increased atmospheric concentration causes many trees and other plants to grow more vigorously. Unfortunately, the Canadian Government has included CO2 with a number of truly toxic and noxious substances listed by the Environmental Protection Act, only as their means to politically control it. The graph here shows changes in vegetative cover due to CO2 fertilization between 1982 and 2010 (Donohue et al., 2013 GRL). A major study here shows that CO2 fertilization will likely increase the value of crop production between now and 2050 by an additional $11.7 trillion ($US 2014). See here for more discussion.

MYTH 8: Global warming will cause more storms and other weather extremes.

FACT: There is no scientific or statistical evidence whatsoever that supports such claims on a global scale. Regional variations may occur. Growing insurance and infrastructure repair costs, particularly in coastal areas, are sometimes claimed to be the result of increasing frequency and severity of storms, whereas in reality they are a function of increasing population density, escalating development value, and ever more media reporting. See here for graphs and discussion of extreme weather.

MYTH 9: Receding glaciers and the calving of ice shelves are proof of man-made global warming.

FACT: Glaciers have been receding and growing cyclically for hundreds of years. Recent glacier melting is a consequence of coming out of the very cool period of the Little Ice Age. Ice shelves have been breaking off for centuries. Scientists know of at least 33 periods of glaciers growing and then retreating. It's normal. Besides, changes to glacier's extent is dependent as much on precipitation as on temperature.

MYTH 10: The earth's poles are warming and the polar ice caps are breaking up and melting.

FACT: The earth is variable. The Arctic Region had warmed from 1966 to 2005, due to cyclic events in the Pacific Ocean and soot from Asia darkening the ice, but there has been no warming since 2005. Current temperatures are the same as in 1943. The small Palmer Peninsula of Antarctica is getting warmer, while the main Antarctic continent is actually cooling. Ice cap thicknesses in both Greenland and Antarctica are increasing. North polar temperature graph here. South polar temperature graph here. See here for sea ice extent.

SAN SALVADOR - Former Salvadoran President Francisco Flores died Saturday in a private hospital in the capital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage, his party confirmed.

Flores, 56, had been in a coma since undergoing emergency surgery.

Flores, who led El Salvador from 1999 to 2004, was under house arrest on charges of embezzlement and illegal enrichment. He was accused of diverting more than $15 million, which had been donated by Taiwan to help the victims of earthquakes in 2001. A court says $10 million of that went to the party backing him and the remainder to him.

The conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance, better known as ARENA, which carried Flores to the presidency, mourned his death and said it would support his family. Current Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez also offered his condolences through his official Twitter account.

Doctors last week said Flores had suffered irreversible neurological damage and that his chances of survival were minimal.

Flores had suffered from thrombosis, the clotting of blood in veins. He was hospitalized for it in October 2014. He was hospitalized again Dec. 22, 2015, for an internal hemorrhage.

Flores had a meteoric rise to the presidency, but once there gained a reputation for being arrogant and distant from his people. He became El Salvador's first president to be charged and put on trial for acts of corruption during his time in office.

Born to a well-off, conservative and anti-communist family, Flores rose quickly through the ranks of Arena, which ruled El Salvador between 1989 and 2009. He started in the government of Arena's first president, Alfredo Cristiani, in 1989, when he was still in his 20s.

Just a few days into his new position, a guerrilla attack killed his wife's father. In the 1990s, he served as an Arena legislator and in 1997 was elected president of the legislature.

He won the presidency in 1999, beating former guerrilla commander Facundo Guardado.

Flores took office at the age of 39 as Arena's third consecutive president. He left office in 2004.

During his time in power, El Salvador was hit with successive natural disasters.

Earthquakes in January and February 2001 killed more than 1,000 people and left 200,000 homeless. Later a severe drought destroyed coffee crops.

The corruption scandal and alleged theft of the earthquake-relief funds sealed his reputation with many. The switch to the U.S. dollar as the country's currency also received a huge popular backlash.

While the Academy Awards is in the grips of a race row crisis, the Screen Actors Guild proved to be a clear celebration of diversity on Saturday.

The winners list, unveil ed at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, was a stark antidote to the controversy that has overwhelmed Hollywood's awards season and the #OscarsSoWhite backlash.

There was a double win for British star Idris Elba, who won Best Supporting Actor for Beasts Of No Nation, about child soldiers in Africa, and Best Actor in a TV Miniseries for Luther.

Elba, in fact, succinctly summed up what was happening when he took the stage for a third time, as a presenter, and said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to diverse TV!'

It followed not only his wins but those by the cast of the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series and for its star Uzo Aduba for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.

There were also wins for Viola Davis won for her performance in the TV series How To Get Away With Murder and Queen Latifah for her performance in HBO's Bessie.

What made the night's events so interesting was the fact that members of SAG were casting their votes right up until the end of the day on Friday.

That meant that the 160,000 guild members were making their decisions as the lack of diversity row over the Academy Awards was in high gear and talks of a boycott were being bandied about.

And since actors make up the largest voting bloc in the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences, it's interesting to see them voting firmly in favor of diversity on big and small screens.

Elba, who first made his name in the gritty drama series The Wire, was a surprise winner despite the critical acclaim he has received for his performance in Beasts Of No Nation and as a tormented detective in Luther.

'I remember getting my SAG card from Law & Order 20 odd years ago,' the actor said as he excitedly collected his first award of the night for Beasts Of No Nation.

'We made a film about real people and real lives, you know, and to be rewarded for it is very special. Thank you for giving this film some light, respect, love.'

Viola Davis won her first SAG Award in 2012 for her supporting role in the movie The Help and on saturday night she picked up another one, this time for her work on the small screen.

Davis stars as criminal defense professor Annalise Keating in the popular ABC series How To Get Away With Murder.

She said in her speech that her job as an actor is to 'create a human being' and she does her job to the best of her ability.

Netflix series Orange Is The New Black picked up the award for Outstanding Comedy Ensemble while star Uzo Aduba was honored with the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series trophy.

As the OITNB cast took the stage to collect their Actor, as the SAG trophy is known, actress Laura Prepon addressed the audience.

'Look at this stage. This is what we talk about when we talk about diversity,' she said.

Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig presented the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, to OITNB's Uzo Aduba.

'Oh my gosh,' she said as she collected the award. 'It's truly touching,' she said before adding that the show features characters that represent 'so many people.'

Queen Latifah picked up the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries for Bessie.The film that aired on HBO was a labor of love for the rapper and TV personality who spent 20 years trying to bring the story of the celebrated Blues singer to the screen.

'I am in shock right now,' Latifah said. 'I'm really just very grateful.'

She spoke in her acceptance speech about how her mom and dad had told her she could be whoever she wanted to be and she urged others not to be pigeon-holed or settle for less than who they are.

'I hope that anyone out there who does not come in the package that people say you should, keep fighting for it,' said Latifah.

'Flip those rocks over. Keep pushing, keep turning. You can do it. You build your own boxes, not people. So knock that thing away and do you!'

It was a good night for Leonardo DiCaprio who finally took home his first SAG Award for The Revenant.

He seemed to be a popular winner with the audience applauding and cheering when his name was announced by presenter Julianne Moore.

He was immediately on the receiving end of a huge hug and embrace for his Titanic co-star Kate Winslet who has been championing his cause all awards season.

DiCaprio, 41, is now the clear frontrunner for the Best Actor Academy Award - a recognition that has eluded him time after time in his more than 20-year career in Hollywood.

Individual actor SAG winners the last three years have exactly corresponded with eventual Oscar winners.

In collecting his award, the hearthrob star had some advice for those aspiring to join the profession.

'For any young actors out there, I encourage you to watch the history of cinema,' he said. 'As the history of cinema unfolds, you realize that we all stand on the shoulders of giants.'

The actor described the sexual abuse of children by priests as 'one of the most horrific things that our culture has allowed to happen' and dedicated the award to the victims and survivors.

'This movie allows them to be seen in the world in a world that has been blind to them,' he said.

Ruffalo's co-star Michael Keaton said that for him personally, the award 'is really for the disenfranchised everywhere.'

'This is for every Flint, Michigan, in the world. This is for the powerless,' Keaton said.

'It comes down to two things: There's fair and there's unfair, and I am always going to vote for the fair. I'm always going to vote for the good guys.'

The actor described the sexual abuse of children by priests as 'one of the most horrific things that our culture has allowed to happen' and dedicated the award to the victims and survivors.

'This movie allows them to be seen in the world in a world that has been blind to them,' he said.

Ruffalo's co-star Michael Keaton said that for him personally, the award 'is really for the disenfranchised everywhere.'

'This is for every Flint, Michigan, in the world. This is for the powerless,' Keaton said.

'It comes down to two things: There's fair and there's unfair, and I am always going to vote for the fair. I'm always going to vote for the good guys.'

The police have begun a probe into the fatal shooting of a correctional officer on main street Bog Walk, St Catherine last night.

The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Roman Bent of Ackels district, Kitson Town, in the parish, and is said to have worked at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Facility.

Reports from the police are that about 10:00 pm, there was an altercation between Bent and two members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) during which he was shot. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The police say that the matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Nearly 100 persons have been taken into custody and severalitems seized during an operation on Port Henderson Road, known as 'Back Road', in Portmore, St Catherine yesterday.

The police say the eight-hour long operation began about 2:00 am, and involved police personnel from the Area Five Headquarters, the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC), the St Catherine North Division, the St Catherine South Division, and the Mobile Reserve.

Fifty-nine females and 40 males were taken into police custody for processing. Their identities are being withheld at this time.

Among the items seized were two firearms, ganja weighing approximately 2.5 pounds and three offensive weapons, while two business establishments were ordered closed due to violations of the Public Health Act.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area Five, Derrick Knight, explained that the operation was geared towards identifying breaches of the Trafficking in Persons Act and flushing out wanted individuals, especially lottery scammers, who are known to seek refuge in such places. He also said the area would continue to be a zone of focus for the police.

The police in Antigua last week charged 26-year-old Jamaican national Methoni Adolphus Vernon for the July 2014 murder of a fellow Jamaican national, 47-year-old farmer, Roy Carridice, of Cassada Gardens near the racehorse track on the island.

Vernon, who resided at Villa district on the island for 15 years prior to the incident, appeared in the St John's Magistrate's Court on January 19, when he was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh until March 31, the date for his committal on the indictable charge stemming from the allegation that he killed Carridice.

The local police have been praised for their intense investigation of, and vigilance on, the matter, as Vernon was nabbed while in transit from the island of Dominica, to which he had fled after the murder. He was being deported to Jamaica for living illegally in Dominica.

The police announced the arrest on January 18, some 18 months after the July 1, 2014 murder. This was two days after Vernon was intercepted on his way back to Jamaica, following his deportation from Dominica.

It is alleged that Vernon shot Carridice on the latter's Cassada Gardens farm, which Carridice operated since 2004. The early morning attack took the life of the father of one.

Reports were that minutes before the killing, a heavily tinted Rav4 motor vehicle came speeding along the road towards Carridice's farm, following which explosions were heard.

Two masked men dressed like police personnel, with handguns, reportedly held up a neighbouring farmer shortly after, and robbed him of a pick-up truck and a small amount of cash. The two gunmen escaped in the stolen pickup, which was later found abandoned elsewhere in the community.

Ralph Thorne QC, the attorney representing former Turks & Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick in an on going corruption case, has said that a statement issued by Sandals and opening remarks by the prosecution's attorney both make for an unfair trial.

Ralph A Thorne, QC has issued a statement responding to the press release issued by Sandals Resorts International. That release, in part, asserted as factual that payments were made to Michael Misick by one or more Sandals-related companies, said Thorne.

Read Thorne's full statement below.

I represent former Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Michael Misick in association with Mr Adrian Kayne at Mr Misick's trial in Turks & Caicos on various corruption offences. My attention has been drawn to a media release that has been issued on behalf of "Sandals-related companies" and carried in various media. I feel constrained to issue this response on behalf of my client.

It is my view that the statement has been a consequence of the practice of the prosecution of issuing daily releases of its unproved opening statement through a website created by the prosecution itself. I consider this practice to be improper and undue and I have expressed this position in court.

It is clear to me that the publication of the prosecution's opening statement to the Judge, and its style, have excited feelings of hostility and antipathy towards my client. This was clearly evident on Thursday, January 28, 2016, when Mr Misick was accosted with threats by an individual while he was leaving the court. Together with the prosecutor, we brought this incident to the attention of the Judge on the following morning. In addition, we now have a large corporate entity feeling obliged to issue a statement in relation to issues that pertain to contested evidence in the case.

It is a matter for the Judge if His Lordship will consider at the next sitting whether the issuance of this statement is contemptuous of the court and whether it is calculated to unduly and improperly influence the proceedings. As Mr Misick's lawyer, my immediate concern is that the statement is so highly prejudicial to his rights and to his presumption of innocence, that it defeats his opportunity for a fair trial. It is my view that the prosecution's daily publication of its highly charged opening statement and this statement have had the cumulative effect of scandalising my client, portraying him contemptuously and ultimately depriving him of the right to a fair trial that is guaranteed by the Constitution and by the Human Rights conventions.

I acknowledge that a proper balance between fair trial and press freedom must be maintained and I offer no condemnation of the media that seek to inform the public. However, parties to a trial must not exploit the media to seek resolution or ventilate on matters that are properly only within the purview of the court at this time. These extra-juridical publications, emanating from the prosecution and from a corporate entity connected to the evidence, are capable of undermining the independence of the judiciary and the dignity of the process of trial.

We must not allow this process to degenerate into the nature and spectacle of an inquisition. I therefore intend to make an application to the court to declare a mis-trial and to discharge my client and will reserve Mr Misick's right to further recourse.

Dr Michael H. Harvey, senior pastor for the Adventist Church at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in his opening prayer at the PNP mass rally in Half Way Treeon Sunday evening declare that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was the "right" leader for the country.

Describing Simpson Miller as one who is in touch with God, Harvey said: "Our country and the party need a great leader to lead us through tough times. Someone who is socially aware, one who has a genuine love and can empathise with the people...that's who this country has in the leadership of Comrade Portia Simpson Miller and her lieutenants."

Interestingly, Opposition JLP leader, Andrew Holness, and his family, are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Last November, Simpson Miller told PNP supporters at a mass rally in St Elizabeth that she would not send Jamaicans to the polls until she was touched by her master.

Holy Trinity Manning Cup footballer Jordan Foote, who was diagnosed with bone cancer and had his leg amputated last year, is reportedly now fighting for life against the disease.

According to Digicel SportsMax, Holy Trinity Manning Cup coach Devon Anderson is asking for the public's prayer and support as the cancer is now affecting Foote's lungs.

"They are trying to patch the part of the lungs that is leaking liquid, and draining off the water from his chest. He is deteriorating due to the cancer," Anderson reportedly said, adding "We just have to hope for the best but expect the worst, and know if the inevitable comes, it comes, but I hope it doesn't come for now."

The coach reportedly said doctors at the University Hospital of the West Indies are seeing signs of improvement, as a hole in Foote's lung has begun to heal through medication.

The development comes nearly two months after Foote had his left leg amputated five inches above the knee. Several organisations donated money towards helping to pay for the surgical procedure on the youngster, who has not been able to attend school because of the disease.

Foote was an outstanding player for Holy Trinity before being diagnosed with the disease last summer, helping the team reach the Super Cup finals in 2014. In an interview with Loop News in November, he expressed confidence that he would one day play football again.

Are scientists to blame for Zika? Genetically modified mosquitos were released into Brazil in 2012

Concerns have been raised scientists could be to blame for the Zika virus outbreak after genetically modified insects were released into Brazil three years ago.

Didcot-based biotechnology company Oxitec worked on the same type of mosquito that carries the virus in 2012, engineering them to have offspring that die out before they can breed, reducing the population of disease-carrying bugs.

Some scientists questioned the wisdom of the plan at the time and it has led to critics claiming the modification could have sparked the current outbreak.

But Oxitec refuted these claims and has actually been asked to expand its work in Brazil to help tackle the outbreak, opening a new mosquito facility in Piracicaba.

Chief executive Hadyn Parry labelled the claims as 'simply untrue'.

He added: 'All vector control solutions - insecticides, traps, and 'sterile' mosquitoes get deployed in areas with a high incidence of disease to help stop the spread of the disease at its source.

'The fewer the mosquitoes, the lower the risk of disease. Our approach has proven to be more effective than the alternatives with a lower environmental impact.'

Oxitec, which was set up by Oxford University scientists in 2002, confirmed it was developing genetically modified 'sterile' mosquitoes in 2012 to tackle the spread of dengue fever and malaria.

The insects were released in Brazil, Malaysia, India and the Cayman Islands, aiming to wipe out as much as 80 per cent of the Aedes aegypti species, which are now the primary carrier of Zika.

The company said its technique would be less damaging to the environment than killing the bugs through radiation, and added the gene could not be passed on to other species.

Critics at the time claimed the process was rushed, including Dr Helen Wallace of watchdog Genewatch, who told The Guardian it was 'an experimental approach' which 'could do more harm than good'.

It comes as the World Health Organisation is to hold an emergency meeting to discuss cures for Zika, which can infect pregnant women and affect a child's development.

Zika has been linked with microcephaly in babies, a potentially fatal condition where skulls and brains fail to form properly.

Pedro Mello, secretary of health in Piracicaba, also defended the company and said it's work had helped protect the local population from different viruses including Zika.

He said: 'The initial project in CECAP/Eldorado district clearly showed that the 'friendly Aedes aegyptisolution' made a big difference for the inhabitants of the area, helping to protect them from the mosquito that transmits dengue, Zika and chikungunya.

'It is important to remember that in dengue year 2014/15 CECAP/Eldorado had 133 cases of dengue, the highest incidence in the city of Piracicaba.

'In 2015/2016, after the beginning of the Friendly Aedes aegypti Project, we had only one case.

'With this result, in addition to extending the project for another year in CECAP/ Eldorado, we decided to expand the use of the friendly Aedes aegypti to the central area of Piracicaba.'

Many scientists have supported the British firm, including Alex Perkins, a Notre Dame biological sciences professor, who told Business Insider UK: 'It could very well be the case that genetically modified mosquitoes could end up being one of the most important tools that we have to combat Zika.

'If anything, we should potentially be looking into using these more.'

Zika is spreading northwards fast and a case in a four-year-old child was recently confirmed in Jamaica, the 24th country to report the virus.

Meanwhile, British hospitals are braced for cases of pregnant women exposed to the virus returning from abroad.

In paying tribute to Winston Blake of Merritone Sound Sstem, boyhood friend, Anthony Matthewss, had this to say:"So long my boyhood friend,as we got older we saw less and less of each other,but whenever we met it was as if we never lost a day.To the family I extend my sincere condolences.Remember him as he was,A nicer person was almost impossible to find.RIP"

Matthews has thousands agreeing with his statement because the reality is that Winston Blake was impossibly nice.

Winston didn't have to wait to be introduced to plant a fat kiss on your cheek; it was as if his soul simply connected with everyone he met along life's journey and his way of acknowledging that fusion of the spirit was with a fleeting, but impactful kiss in which his lips brushed lightly against your cheek, as his eyes twinkled in delight at your 'what-the-hell-just-happened?' expression.

As Fernande Price stated in her Facebook tribute: Will forever miss ur kisses."

Yardflex sends condolences to the friends, family and Merri-makers on the death of a legend.

With the sudden death of sound system giant and Kingston College old boy, Winston Blake of thelegendary Merritone Sond System, party-goers have been posting their tributes all over social media in tribute of a great man.

Read a selection below:

soulselector Blessings to the Blake family on the passing of the peerless Mr. Winston Blake---a true Foundation Man of Jamaican music.

Jangas Like Byron Lee, a musical institution. Will miss his regal entries on a Thrusday-night, decked-out in flowing robe and martching tie-head. Not to mention his selections, his horns, and his descant sing-alongs. Rest well 'Merri'. You have made us all merry.

NoMore_MarioDeanYes sir!! A great innings, well played. Marvelous works brethren, just marvelous. Those merritone sessions bwoy, good, good music and pure mellow vibes. A Great! Great Jamaican without a doubt. Well done sir! Let out the music selectors!! Nuff music, few tears. Stepped out for awile but Never to be forgotten.

wes taylor Well played my Brother. You were part of my happy and joyous youth. From Springfield in St. Thomas, to Copa, Peyton Place, Wembley (Dunoon High), Red Hills Road, New York and so many marvelous sessions. You will be missed but your music and Memories lives on in my heart. ONE LOVE Wes (bunny toe) Taylor

Juney I loved partying with the one and only Merritone too...From JA to New York...RIP Mr Music Man...

General89 My taught and prayrrs to the family.we have lost a giant RIP my friend

AvatarFond memories of the happy times at the Turntable Club on Red Hills Rd in the 70"s. Merritone was undoubtedly the best in dance and party music selection.....Nuff respect!..RIP...

Tony tuffWas always a pleasure to listen to this brother play and yes those n y sessions will never be forgotten .rip WB

Legendary sound system operator, Winston 'Merritone' Blake, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St Andrew, Saturday morning. He was 75.

His friend and neighbour, Michael Hall, said Blake suffered a stroke in January and was recuperating at home. However, on Wednesday he was admitted to UHWI after complaining of not feeling well. Things took a turn for the worst on Friday and he died today at 5:30 am.

Blake was also a music producer and promoter of talent contests that helped to launch the careers of his wife Cynthia Schloss and Beres Hammond. He produced several of Schloss' hit songs including Love Forever and Surround me With Love. She died in 1999.

Blake was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government in 1995. He is survived by brothers Trevor and Monty (Tyrone died in 2012)

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has emerged winners at Thursday's general election and will form the next Government of Jamaica.

The victorious party which is led by Andrew Holness, secured 32 of the 63 seats in Parliament, while the PNP won 31. Holness' wife, Juliette, a first-timer, also won her seat and will walk into parliament with her husband for the swearing-in ceremony.

This is Holness' first general election win and the party has been in full celebration mode since Thursday evening.

Thursday's defeat is the second general election disappointment for the ruling party led by Portia Simpson Miller. The PNP also lost the 2007 election.

This was Jamaica's 17th parliamentary election since the country gained Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944, and the 13th since Independence in 1962.

"As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Leo Messi believes in the child's right to play and the transforming power of sport in children's lives," UNICEF said. "All the items were signed by Messi himself. Both jerseys carried the message, 'Con mucho carino, Leo.'(Translation: "With much love, Leo"). The football was signed 'Leo.'"

Murtaza was "very happy" and is now asking his family to "only call him Messi," according to his 15-year-old brother Hamayon Ahmadi.

Hamayon told ABC News today he was the one who took the viral photos of his little brother in the plastic bag Messi jersey. He explained that his little brother was "crazy" about Messi at the time and kept asking his father for a Messi jersey.

"My father did not have enough money to buy it," Hamayon said, adding that his father didn't make much as a farmer. "So one day, I just made a jersey from a plastic bag."

Hamayon said soccer is just one of the few ways he and his brother "try and stay happy" despite "constant war and violence" in their village.

"Everyday someone is killed by the brutal Taliban," he said. "This is our life, always war and violence."

Hamayon said no one in his family has been hurt, but many of his friends have been killed by the Taliban.

He added that he hopes his little brother's story will help encourage peace in the country.

"I love my homeland," he said. "But how long do we have to tolerate the violence? A peaceful life should be our right."

Jamaica-born American epidemiologist, Michelle Williams, is to take over in July, as head of Public Health in one of the world's top universities, Harvard.

Williams who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, migrated to New York with her family at age seven.

According to the Boston Globe, Williams will be the first black person to lead a graduate school at Harvard and the first woman to head the public health school.

Williams is excited about her new endeavour.

"I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to lead the Harvard Chan School, and grateful to President Faust for inviting me to serve in this role at such a crucial moment for public health in the United States and around the world," Williams said.

She has won awards for teaching and mentoring from Harvard, the University of Washington, the American Public Health Association, and the White House.

"Michelle Williams is an eminent epidemiologist, an outstanding teacher and mentor, and an energising leader and institutional citizen, impassioned about the power of public health to change people's lives for the better," said Harvard President, Drew Faust in announcing the appointment.

Williams said she hopes to elevate understanding and appreciation of public health, a discipline she said "is everywhere and nowhere at the same time."

The wife of reggae artiste, Nesbeth, will be laid to rest at a funeral servove tp be held on Saturday, March 12 at the New Life Assembly of God Church, 148 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8.

The 'nine-night' will be held on Friday, March 11 at Paradise Court in Arnett Gardens.

Nesbeth's wife Ann-Marie Elliot, died last Wednesday in the United States (U.S) of undisclosed complications.

Nesbeth who was slated to perform at the recently concluded Youth View Awards (YVA's) canceled his performance as a result of his wife's death.

An official statement from the artiste's management team stated that he was asking for privacy during this time but that he is thankful for the great show of love he has been receiving.

"The family of the singer would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt love and continued support in this time of grief while requesting that their privacy be respected as they bereave a great loss," the release stated.

Jamaicans head to the polls to elect a new government, today, with voting set to begin at 7.00 a.m.

There are 1.82 million electors registered to cast ballots.

As for the candidates - 152 who will be vying for votes - 63 each for the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, seven candidates from the National Democratic Movement, nine from other parties, and 10 independent candidates.

Police personnel in St Thomas are prepared to tackle the most challenging scenarios as Jamaica goes to the polls to elect a new Government today.

According to Superintendent of Police Beau Rigabie, his regular team will be boosted by a detail from Mobile Reserve and a detachment from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), as the parish bolsters its law enforcement assets ahead of the general election.

He said he will have "385 police officers" at his disposal to carry out broad-based operational functions, including manning 257 polling stations in the bi-sect of St Thomas Western and St Thomas Eastern.

The incumbent candidate for the eastern divide of the parish, the People's National Party's (PNP) Dr Fenton Ferguson faces off with his Opposition challenger Delano Seiveright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for the seat in the new Parliament, while councillor Marsha Francis of the PNP is seeking to unseat the JLP's James Robertson on the western end.

Also in the race in St Thomas Western is Robert Cover of the Marcus Garvey People's Progressive Party.

Rigabie, who was recently transferred from the Westmoreland Police Division, said the police have catalogued a number of potentially explosive polling areas and have devised strategies to safeguard and respond if that becomes necessary.

Bonafide, the Las Vegas-based reggae band whose roots run deep in Jamaica, is currently in promotion mode as they present their latest single, Jamaican Girl, a song which pays homage to the irresistible island woman, of whom they note, "everytime you're around it's sunshine weather".

The group comprises brothers Jr. Rootz (vocals/drums); Bass Wayne (bass/vocals); Ricky Dread (keyboards/vocals) and Mikey Gits (Guitar), all of whom are longstanding ambassadors of good music generously mixed with philanthropy. In the past they have used proceeds from their CD sales to donate money for the welfare of displaced battered mothers, therefore it's only natural that Bonafide would record a song that uplifts women.

Jamaican Girl, which is on the group's B-RAZ Records imprint, will be released on all digital platforms this week and if the awesome response to the pre-release is anything to go by, then Bonafide has a bonafide hit on their hands.

"This is a positive, conscious message that we are sending to all the brothers out there to treat your woman with the respect and love that she truly deserves and at the same time to empower women of all ages to understand just how important it is to accept nothing but the best treatment from men," lead singer, Junior Rootz declared, adding that he was encouraged by the love being shown to the single by the music fraternity.

A highly sought after act, Bonafide has performed on several tours and festivals including Reggae on the River, Pure Aloha and, for five consecutive years, they have graced the stage of Jamaica's largest music festival, Reggae Sumfest, held annually in their hometown of Montego Bay. This has afforded them the opportunity to share stages with Usher, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and John Legend. The band has toured the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Bonafide is more than a band which plays awesome music, the members have a genuine interest in playing their part in making the world a better place. They donated the proceeds of their 2013 album, One Wish to the Las Vegas community - the people who lost their homes in the US mortgage crisis and they continue this work of helping the homeless and have also included Iraq war veterans and the native people of Peach Tree on their list. In Jamaica, Bonafide has donated computers and footballs to schools, they have repaired school bathrooms and the group currently has 50 iPads to distribute to schools in Jamaica when they arrive in July.

All this has been achieved through their Across The Bridge Foundation.

Luciano "The Messenger" will appear on the We Are Reggae stage on Saturday, February 27, at the Beach Bar, Doctors Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Luciano performs his first unplugged and up-close set in Montego Bay, fresh off his Grammy Awards nomination for Best Reggae Album at this year's Grammy Awards. Jepther McClymont born in Manchester popularly known as "The Messenger" or "Jah Messenger" has received two Grammy Awards nominations, the first in 2002 for his VP Records' album A New Day and this year's Zion Awake.

Luciano was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer on October 15, 2007 in recognition of his contribution to reggae music by the Government of Jamaica. His signature hits, It's Me Again Jah, One Way Ticket, Sweep Over My Soul, Who Could It Be as well as his firebrand of Rastafari has raised him to the position of Elder Statesman. Luciano is also the consummate performer.

This month's We Are Reggae unplugged also introduces American R&B/Soul recording artiste and entertainment attorney-at-law Priscilya Marie. She was signed to Dark Child Production Company along with her gospel group as a teenager winning the McDonald's Gospelfest. Priscilya Marie made her debut as a solo recording artiste in September 2015 with her new EP entitled #NoFilter, which is available online.

Doctor Bright, who recently released the track Pretty Jamaica will also grace the We Are Reggae stage. He has performed at Germany's SummerJam Festival and toured Scandinavia in 2009.

Gates open at 8pm, showtime 10pm. Tickets are $2000 presold, $2500 at the gate and are available at Fontana Fairview, El Paso Sam Sharpe Square, www.urticketpro.com.

Dancehall trendsetter Ishawna has walked away with two coveted awards in the 2016 staging of the Youth View Awards held last Saturday night at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The Downsound records signed act was nominated in four categories; Fashion Icon - Female, Favorite Local Female Artist, Young Hot & Hype Female and Favorite Musical Collaboration for the single 'Answer Me' featuring Masicka. Ishawna walked away with the awards for Fashion Icon and Young Hot and Hype Female.

The Dancehall fashionista has turned heads consistently with her style over the years and has been the topic of consistent conversations for her bold and unique style choices.

"My style is eclectic. I work with mood and vibes that I'm feeling, that tells me what I'm rocking today. I do things my way regardless of what others think. I'm not afraid to take risks with my fashion or my music" Ishawna explained

The risks ultimately paid off as her fans voted her the Fashion Icon Female and Young Hot and Hype Female for 2015.

Dressed in a regal black jeweled piece at the actual ceremony on Saturday, Ishawna turned heads on the red carpet with the semi transparent piece. She was however quite surprised by her win.

"I was a little startled. I didn't expect to win. But it does feel good. I'd like to say thanks to my fans for their support I really couldn't have done it without them. I just want to celebrate this win with my fans." Ishawna added

Musically, Ishawna will be performing at the BritJam Festival on March 11 in Montego Bay, before heading out for her European tour in May.

Blues on the Green, an annual free concert staged by the United States Embassy,set for Friday is yet another entertainment event which has had to change dates having fallen within days of the election.

A new date has not yet been released.

The occasion should have featured R&B artiste Fantasia.

In a release yesterday, the US Embassy said the postponement was due to the February 25 election.

"Due to logistical issues arising from our original plans to stage the concert the day after Jamaica's general election, the US Embassy and our partners have decided to postpone Blues on the Green 2016," read the statement.

Blues on the Green showcases American culture through musical performances by top musicians, and rising Jamaican talent. Now in its 24th year, has seen a steady stream of acts perform at the annual show. Last year, a capella group Sweet Honey in the Rock was the guest performer.

Bouvier Clark, the widow of Bunny Rugs, the former lead vocalist, musician, and songwriter of the world famous Reggae band, reportedly says she has been ignored and disrespected by the Third World members in charge of the band's business affairs.

According to the contents of a release, on July 18, 2014, a court in the State of Florida appointed Mrs Clark personal representative of the estate of William Clark aka "Bunny Rugs" with full power to administer his estate according to law. This court order entitles Mrs Clark to demand, sue for, recover and receive all property belonging to William "Bunny Rugs" Clark.

Mrs. Clark, the reported release says, contends that over the past two years numerous attempts have been made to communicate with members of the Third World band by her and by various attorneys representing her.

The release claims that despite several promises, there has been no business arrangement details provided or disclosed, nor has there been any payments or accounting made by the band to the Clark estate.

An upcoming artiste who goes by the name Real Overdose, is reported to have planned and executed his own funeral, while still being very much alive.

Clearly, this was a publicity stunt gone very wrong. A;ready, many are saying that Overdose must have overdosed on something to come up with something as macabre as this.

Picture this: Overdose lies inside a real coffin pretending to be dead, as the body is carried inside a church?

According to the report, "community members say persons were out in their numbers to witness the unbelievable display of "madness". On the scene was a hearse, wreaths, mourners and even a coffin in which the up-coming artiste laid comfortably.

"How can someone play with death and put them self in dead coffin? Smh," one social media user commented.

"People he's an upcoming artist seeking publicity... so yes it works!! Whether u talk good or bad you still talk so he's getting the publicity he aimed at.. #missionAccomplished," another said.

A wake also took place the night before the artiste's 'home-going' service.

Seven Jamaica Labour Party supporters were shot yesterday evening shortly after 7 o'clock during an attack by gunmen in Canterbury, St. James. A teenager is among the injured.

Head of the St. James Police, Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor, said that the individuals are aligned to the JLP candidate for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke. He explained that the group had stopped at a shop for drinks when a silver car drove by, from which shots were fired. Two of the seven persons are considered serious.

In the meantime, Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang is worried that the incident will have repercussions. He questioned the timing of the upsurge in violence while noting that politics is often used to cover inter-gang rivalry. Mr. Chang also expressed concern about reprisals.

A total of 24,721 or 63% of special services voters cast their ballots yesterday ahead of the general elections on Thursday.

This represents a decrease from 68.3% in the 2011 polls. Of the 10,041 JCF members on the list, 5,322 or 53% cast their votes, down from 56.2% at the last polls.

In the case of the military, 930 cast their ballots, from a possible 2,569, or 36%, which is less than the 39.8% in 2011.

Orrette Fisher, Director of Elections, has reported that the voting process went smoothly yesterday.

There was also a reduction in the number of election day workers who cast their votes. From a list of 26, 498, some 70%, or 18,469 voted, down from 74.6% in the 2011 elections.

Voting for police, military and election day workers takes place three days before the rest of the population. Special service voters' ballots are placed in individual envelopes, which are then sorted the night after they vote, and will be counted on election day, along with the ballots cast by civilian non-election day workers.

While the Electoral Office has determined how many ballots have been received, there is no indication of how the electors have voted as the envelopes remain sealed until the counting on election day.

Head of the Area One Police Division, Assistant Commissioner Winchroy Budhoo, says the attack on a group of opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters on Kings Street in St James late Monday, was gang related.

According to Budhoo, the area remains tense and additional police personnel will be sent to the area to maintain calm.

The shooting earlier sparked a road block by residents.The road is now clear.

The police report that a group of party supporters was standing along the road having drinks when a car drove up and shortly afterwards a man got out and started firing.

The fight and backlash against natural hair is real - real disgusting! And once again, yet another story of young women being attacked for their natural tresses has gone mainstream.

According to Wapa.TV, , a high school student at CR Walker in the Bahamas, was told by her principal that her natural hair was "untidy, ungroomed, and unkept," which violates school rules. Deleveaux and several other students are also alleging that they were not only reprimanded for simply rocking their natural curls but suspended and threatened with expulsion if they did not straighten their hair. Although the school denies the allegations, Delveveax's mother took to Facebook to share her daughters story and the outrage she felt over such punishment, explaining that Tayjah's hair "does not affect her brain." "What could possibly be so wrong with this hairstyle?!" she wrote. "SHE IS A BLACK CHILD WITH THICK NATURAL HAIR!!!!"

Once the post went viral, the controversy sparked girls all over the world to use the hashtag #SupportThePuff with a photo of their own beautifully textured tresses in support of women and girls loving their natural hair.

In addition to the millions of hashtags that have surfaced on the internet in the past two days, an online natural hair petition was also created in support of the students. "This petition has been created in support of those students and we encourage you the potential voter to consider the damaging effects of telling our precious darlings that in the year 2016, their hair is not good enough to be worn naturally," the site reads.

Hype Hair also reports that the country's ministry of education responded to the comments regarding the issue, saying, "We are fully cognisant of the sensitivity of this matter and are confident that after review with the school administrator, the school board and the individuals involved, the matter will be amicably resolved."

President Barack Obama on Saturday responded to a video of a little girl bursting into tears when she found out Obama wouldn't be president for much longer.

"But I'm not ready for a new president yet," the little girl, with tears streaming down her face told her grandmother in the video.

In a Facebook comment on the video posted by the girl's grandmother, Caprina Harris, the president told the young girl, who shares a birthday with Obama, that once he left office, he wasn't going anywhere.

"Caprina, tell her to dry her tears, because I'm not going anywhere. Once I leave the White House, I'll still be a citizen just like her," Obama wrote.

"And when she grows up, she can get involved right alongside me. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for her letter, and we'll always get to celebrate our birthdays together!"

Louis Farrakhan closed out the Nation of Islam's annual Saviour's Day convention in Detroit this weekend with a speech comparing sports stars to slaves, attacking police for their treatment of Beyonce and calling in the black community to make Detroit the new Mecca.

'Please don't put up another basketball court and think you're giving back to the back community,' said Farrakhan during his remarks.

'Basketball courts are a training ground for a basketball plantation.'

He then added that spectators watching people play sports are just like men sizing up slaves back in the day.

'Well, that's that what you do in sports. You run up and down the field, show them how swift you are, how clever you are,' he said.

Farrakhan also spoke about improving Detroit, and making it a new holy city.

'Detroit can be the new Mecca,' said Farrakhan.

'It can be great, great city. And it's 83 percent black.

'You don't have to move out to the white community. Instead of moving out of the hood, let's make the hood what we desire it to be.'

He then added; 'Look at all the old homes going for five, 10, 15, $20,000.

'All they need is someone to take them over, fix them up, and give them some love.

'Don't go moving off into white neighborhoods. Look at your own neighborhoods and make them hoods we desire.'

Farrakhan, 82, also both praised and attacked police during his speech.

After praising Beyonce for her Super Bowl performance, which paid tribute to the Black Panthers and Farrakhan's mentor Malcolm X, Farrakhan blasted those who police forces that have said that will now ban Beyonce, who he called 'my sweet sister.'

'You won't offer her police protection, but the FOI will,' said Farrakhan, referring to the Fruit of Islam, which provides the NOI's security.

At the same time he had nothing but kind things to say about Detroit Police Chief James E. Craig, who provided a motorcade for the group's leaders to the convention.

Farrakhan praised rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West as well for speaking out on social issues.

'Say what you feel. Put it out there!' he said.

He attacked both political parties too during his speech, saying; 'You have made no progress under Democrats.

'I don't know why you're such a slave. Figure out what did they do for you, when what you have given to the Democratic Party.'

Republicans meanwhile were accused of writing and passing laws that deny blacks the same opportunities as whites.

And he urged medical marijuana dispensaries to make a bid so that they could legally operate in the city.

'And that's good because medical marijuana could be used to help people who are being addicted to prescription drugs. God made the weed. I used to smoke it, too,' he said.

'But when I smoked it there was a divine reason: "God made it. It has to be good."'

He then began laughing as he told the audience; 'Stop lying to yourself.'

The members of the West Indies Under-19 team have been implored by one legendary cricketer Curtley Ambrose to strive for success at the senior level.

The former pacer has warned the youngsters against fading into the lost pages of history and has challenged them to build on their amazing achievement.

"This is just the right step in the right direction and I want to say to the young players to remain focussed and continue to play hard so they take the next step up which is international cricket," noted Ambrose who took 405 wickets in 98 test matches.

The West Indies beat India by five wickets to win the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh, having lost in the final in 2004 against Pakistan.

The controversy that has surrounded England-based player Christopher Lewis representing Jamaica at the World Table Tennis Championship in Malaysia, is now being handled as a legal matter.

Lewis was expected to have joined Michael Hyatt, Mark Phillips and Kane Watson at their final training camp in California but is yet to secure a Jamaican passport which would make him eligible to compete for the country.

President of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association Godfrey Lothian says failure by Lewis to secure his Jamaican passport would mean the team would have to field a three member contingent as it would probably be too late to name a replacement.

On February 19, Assassin aka Agent Sasco released his first studio album in almost a decade entitled The Theory Of Reggaetivity, a marked departure from his dancehall-driven releases - Infiltration (2005) and Gully Sit'n (2007).

From Los Angeles to New York to Kingston - Assassin recorded the album across the globe and worked with a variety of producers - Niko Browne, Diggy British (Protoje), The Drum Keyz, Theo Butler, Sting International, MLMG, Sound Cheq, Silly Walks, W. Thompson and Chimney Records - to provide a live music texture of majestic trumpets, and heavy one-drop bassline rhythms reminiscent of the style pioneered by the genre's legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown. Assassin also co-produced "Day In Day Out," "J-O-B," "Africa" and "Crazy" under his Sound Age Entertainment.

The album's title, a play on words, makes a nod to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Setting the tone of the album, the title track and "Reggae Origin," examine the birth of reggae beyond its pioneers.

Assassin's description is more scientific because he questions the possibilities of reggae playing a role in the Big Bang and the vibration of weather patterns as the building blocks of the genre, which inherently are building blocks of life. Given reggae's reputation of being by the people and for the people, he carries the tradition of a messenger by reaching people on a human level, incorporating more live instrumentation and harmonizing than he has done on any of his previous material.

On February 5th, 2016, Sadiki I released his first single off his upcoming album titled 'My Story.' The hip- hop reggae tune features the vocal genius of veteran reggae artist Junior 'One Blood' Reid. The single will be released on Mystic Lion Entertainment, distributed by VPAL and is available for purchase on iTunes and other digital platforms.

Sadiki I was born, Jevon White, on the small island of Montserrat in the West Indies where his father, George Buffonge, was a respected concert promoter. As a child, the young Jevon often found himself surrounded by influential reggae and calypso artists, including his own godfather, Arrow, of "Hot Hot Hot" fame.

"Sadiki I" which means "faithful" in Swahili, made a successful debut on the Dancehall scene with his album, I Man See Judgment. He used the next couple of years as his time to grow as an artist, finding his own unique style, combining reggae and hip-hop and elevating his skills as a composer and emcee. His mixtape, Sadiki I a.k.a Crazy Horse Vol.1, which was hosted by the world renowned DJ Saki, hit hard and he soon captured the attention of the international reggae circuit, recording and performing with reggae stars Terry Ganzie and Mr. Easy, among others.

In 2013 he released his EP, The Book of Sadiki I: The Prologue; his singles, "The World is Mine" and "Economic Bubble" hit number one and two respectively on the underground hip hop charts. In 2014 he performed a knockout show at the Montserrat Reggae Festival sharing the stage with his friends, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel.

In 2016 Sadiki I embarks on the musical journey of his life. 'My Story' is a true blueprint of his life. The powerful lyrics and deep content are sure to make waves in the industry. Sadiki I's story is the stuff legends are made of.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has announced that it will be ready to accept applications for ganja licenses for Monday, April 4, 2016. The regulations that will allow for the granting of licenses have now been drafted and are currently being reviewed ahead of finalisation and approval, which is expected in the next two weeks. These regulations will immediately allow for the publishing of application forms as well as the furnishing of information to potential licensees on eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of licenses.

Under the regulations, eleven types of licenses across five main categories will be made available to interested persons - cultivator, transportation, processing, retailing, and R&D - ensuring coverage over the entire value chain for the medicinal marijuana industry. The regulations make special provisions for small farmers, cooperatives, and small-scale processors to participate in the industry with distinct requirements and licensing fee structures in place. Residency requirements and local participation in companies have also been included as a critical component of participation in this nascent industry. Licenses will also be available for importation for research under conditions stipulated by the CLA.

As a special concession to ensure the participation of small growers in the new industry, the CLA will waive the up-front payment of licensing fees for this category of licensee for the first year of operations. Once the interim regulations have been agreed, the Authority will continue its consultations, including the hosting of a series of town-hall meetings across the island, where it hopes to gather additional information to refine the licensing regime and build-out the full industry management framework that will underpin the emergence of Jamaica's new, legal ganja industry.

With this done, the Authority expects to be able to put forward an expanded and more comprehensive set of regulations by May 2016 that will seek to address other areas of the industry. "We made a commitment to the people of Jamaica that the Cannabis industry would be in place by the end of the fiscal year, and we will meet that commitment," said Dr. Andre Gordon, Chairman of the CLA.

G. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, who has portfolio responsibility for the Authority, noted his pleasure with the pace with which the nine-month old agency has delivered on its mandate.

The community of Lladeway in St Thomas is in mourning following the suspected suicide death of the loss of 17 year-old Andel Bennett, who is suspected to have taken his own life early Saturday morning.

According to a report from the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Andel was found around 6am, hanging by his neck from a piece of rope that was tied to a tree near the yard.

The teen, who was found by a horrified relative, had purportedly been seen alive about an hour before his body was discovered.

Chairman of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Garnett Roper has reported that one of the company's bus drivers has been hospitalised after he was beaten, allegedly by a group of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters.

A report has been made to the police.

"The reports we received are that the driver was carrying a group of supporters from the JLP when they attempted to remove a section of the emergency exit," Roper is quoted as saying.

According to Roper, the driver instructed the men to stop and he was attacked and beaten.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Colin Campbell says the State-owned bus company will bill the Jamaica Labour Party for the repairs to the 22 buses that were damaged when the party chartered them to transport supporters to its mass rally in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew yesterday.

Campbell said all but one of the 22 damaged buses have been repaired so far.

"In most cases they have damaged the vents in the roof of the buses to be able to get on to the roof," Campbell said in a news release Monday.

The managing director said the JUTC requires better behaviour from party supporters.

Diagnosing Swine Flu

Your doctor can make a diagnosis by sampling fluid from your body. To take a sample, your doctor or a nurse may swab your nose or throat.

The swab will be analyzed using various genetic and laboratory techniques to identify the specific type of virus.

Treating Swine Flu

Most cases of swine flu don't require medication for treatment. You don't need to see a doctor unless you're at risk for developing medical complications from the flu. You should focus on relieving your symptoms and preventing the spread of the H1N1 to other people.

Two antiviral drugs are recommended for treating swine flu: the oral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Because flu viruses can develop resistance to these drugs, they're often reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. People who are otherwise generally healthy and get swine flu will be able to fight the infection on their own.

Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus that usually only infects pigs. Unlike typhus, which can be transmitted by lice or ticks, transmission usually occurs from person to person, not animal to person.

You can't catch swine flu from eating pork products.

Swine flu is very contagious. The disease is spread through saliva and mucus particles. People may spread it by:

sneezing

coughing

touching a germ-covered surface and then touching their eyes or nose

Part 4 of 9: Symptoms

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are very much like those of regular influenza. They include:

When it first emerged, swine flu was most common in young adults. This was unusual because most flu viruses attack older adults or the very young. Today, risk factors for getting swine flu are the same as for any other strain of the flu. You're most at risk if you spend time in an area with a large number of people who are infected with swine flu.

Some people are at higher risk for becoming seriously ill if they're infected with swine flu. These groups include:

adults over age 65

children under 5 years old

young adults under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

people with compromised immune systems (due to a disease such as AIDS)

pregnant women

people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or neuromuscular disease

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs, but is spread primarily from person to person.

Swine flu made headlines in 2009 when it was first discovered in humans and became a pandemic. Pandemics are contagious diseases affecting people throughout the world or on multiple continents at the same time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 pandemic over in August of 2010. Since then, the H1N1 virus has been known as a regular human flu virus. It continues to spread during flu season like other strains of the flu. The flu shot developed each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) usually includes a vaccination against a type of H1N1 virus.

Like other strains of the flu, H1N1 is highly contagious, allowing it to spread quickly from person to person. A simple sneeze can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air. The virus can linger on tables and surface areas like door knobs, waiting to be picked up.

The best means of dealing with swine flu is to prevent it. Hand sanitization is important to stop the spread of the virus, and staying away from infected people will help stop person-to-person transmission.

The US Embassy Kingston has announced that the 'Queen of RockSoul,' Fantasia Barrino will be this year's headline performer at its signature cultural event: Blues on the Green 2016.

With hits such as I Believe, When I See You, and Truth Is, Fantasia's performance promises to celebrate the beauty and depth of the African-American experience.

The theme for this year is the shared motto of the United States and Jamaica: Out of many, one!

The event will be held on Friday, February 26, at Emancipation Park in St Andrew; with free admission all are invited to attend the musical showcase.

Seating begins at 6pm and the show kicks off at 7 pm.

Blues on the Green 2016 will also showcase performances by Jamaica's own reggae-dancehall fusion singer/songwriter Christopher Martin and roots-rock-reggae band RagingFyah.

Blues on the Green commemorates African-American History Month, (Black History Month).

Every February, Americans reflect on the contributions of African-Americans to our society and our ongoing efforts to deliver our Founders' democratic promise to all citizens.

In an issued release from the US Embassy, the agency stated that this is why it is proud to present this year's concert together with RESPECT Jamaica and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth & Culture.

"In the spirit of inclusiveness, we are asking those attending to bring educational or learning items, formula, or diapers to donate to the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre to help the teen mothers under their care. Center representatives will be on hand to accept donations," the release added.

Shortly after, Chynn's sister Tessanne reposted the image and seemed every bit excited for the new addition:

"And on top of having an amazing time at an amazing wedding,I get to finally release this secret !!! I'm gonna be an Aunty again !!! Congrats @iamtamichynn @waynemarsheezy #GladBagBussFiTrue #AuntyTess #GodIsGreat !!!!"

The two married in 2010 after four years of dating. They are proud parents to two sons: Giomar (from Marshall's previous relationship with Regina Macallum) and Jaxen Benjamin.

A major stand-off in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on Friday afternoon involving the police and an ex-member of the Jamaica Defence Force resulted in roads in the middle of the town being blocked by protesting bystanders.

The dispute started shortly after 2pm when the police, who were carrying out routine checks, confronted a motorist who was accused of operating an illegal taxi. The driver of the vehicle, an ex-soldier, reportedly objected to being arrested.

This led to a major stand off between him and the police.

A video recording of the incident, showed the man resisting the police while boisterous bystanders registered their support for him.Head of Operations in the St. Catherine North Police Division, Superintendent Ralsford Hardy said the ex-soldier was eventually arrested and is in custody.

He said a gun was also seized in the incident and charges will be laid against the ex-solider.

The interim report on bad gas in the petroleum retail trade is now complete and will submitted to Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell on Monday.

The report was compiled by the Petroleum Trade Reform Committee which was set up to probe the source of the contaminated fuel.

Chairman of the Committee, Noel daCosta, says the group is also seeking to find out who is responsible for the bad gas which caused widespread contamination in the market.

"This is just an interim report but we expect the Minister to give us some feedback to the direction to go in once he looks at it.....the immediate issue was the presence of bad gas in the market and how it got there,"daCosta said.

He also said complaints collected by the Consumer Affairs Commission were included in the report.

The final report is to be submitted following the Energy Minister's review.

The ruling People's National Party (PNP) believes that its candidate for West Central St Andrew, Patrick Roberts, has a good chance of defeating the incumbent in the constituency, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.

Roberts, the founder of Shocking Vibes Records and councillor for the Molynes Gardens division of the constituency, lost by 1,039 votes to Holness in the 2011 General Election.

He is expected to do better against the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader this time around, against the background of his performance as a councillor and a strong campaign team that includes former JLP MP Joan Gordon-Webley.

Delano Franklyn, campaign spokesperson of PNP, declared the party's intention in the constituency at a press conference earlier this week.

"The primary objective is to ensure that we retain all 42 seats and to win others where we can, and one of those that we are focusing on as best as we can, because we believe that we have a real chance in that particular constituency, is the one where the incumbent is currently the leader of the Opposition... we will be doing every thing that we can to bring that constituency into the willing column of the PNP," Franklyn said.

A team from the private sector tasked with reviewing the opposition Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) tax proposal has punched holes in the suggested reforms and has concluded that it will not work.

The three page document titled "Assessment of PAYE Reform Proposals-Private and Confidential" assessed the JLP's proposal to remove personal income tax from the salaries of those earning up to $1.5m annually and it found the proposal wanting on various levels.

First the tax team assessed if the proposal was equitable and certain....and said it is not. It said is borne out in the fact that people earning a few hundred thousand dollars more than the $1.5 million may be worse off than those earning that sum...because of the tax they would have to pay.

It did an assessment on two salary levels...one earning $1. 5 million now...and the other earning $1,592,800

It says excluding the impact of other statutory deductions...the person earning more money would take home $157,000 because of his tax liability with the JLP's proposal.

The tax team said given that distortionary impact...people earning up to $1. 8 million may ask their employees for a salary cut, just to take home more money.

The team said the proposal would discourage people from seeking more money either from bonus, overtime, promotion or pay increases which may marginally increase their annual income above $1.5 million .The team said the same issue would arise for those earning marginally above $5 million.

Those people would be required to pay tax on all their income without a threshold...and may also request a pay cut to ensure more money is available to take home.

The tax team says such moves may create "significant headaches for payroll administrators" who would have to contend with shifting tax obligations for employees who may earn monies over the tax threshold.

The private sector tax team says JLP's tax proposal not feasible and it would be better if the government revisits the Private Sector Working Group's tax proposals which were submitted in 2012...because that document is clearly a more preferable approach to income tax reform.

Dancehall artiste Furtyle Brain is generating major international attention with his inclusion on the February15th edition of the popular Ripley's Believe it or Not!.

Last year, the artiste made the unprecedented move to implant a pair of goat horns in his head. But that decision may be paying off with international recognition from the inclusion in the popular illustrated comic strip.

"I was really surprised when I was told I made Ripley's, I wasn't expecting it. When I checked my phone the day it was published, I was seeing a lot of missed calls, and then some elders start link me and say congratulations, dem see the ting in the paper, and in the evening, mi go buy a paper and see say the 'Hornboss' mek Ripley's, by night, it all over Facebook. This is like a huge deal," Furtyle Brain said.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! has been presenting the incredible and the unusual in illustrated form since Robert Ripley's first "Champs and Chumps" comic published on December 19, 1918.

Several comments on the comic's website expressed incredulity at the feat. One comments said: "Furtyle Brain, what the devil?', while another suggested "sounds like old Furtyle Brain is mostly manure', and yet another remarked that "Furtyle Brain could be a rapper's name'.

The Pocket Money deejay, whose real name is Kenardo Robinson, says he hired a Canadian-based surgeon to perform the surgery in Jamaica, that the surgery cost thousands of dollars, and he experienced severe pain with his implants which gives him occasional headaches.

He is known for the singles, Hunting Time on the Bad Indian 'riddim' for producer Dinearo and Fi Yu Body Gyal for Chase Mills Records.

The deejay's a new single, Get Gal Easy, was officially released on February 19.

It's no small feat to break into the competitive world of fashion design, but an even more astounding one to do so at the age of 10. Stacking the deck against her further still, Egypt Ufele, who goes by "Ify," was being bullied at school for her size.

Ify responded in the best possible way: she designed a line of clothing that includes plus-size fashions. The kicker? She's made it to New York Fashion Week - the only child designer to dress curvy models.

"People applaud me and tell me I'm good at fashion," Ify said. They used to tell her very different things, at least at her school in Queens.

"I was bullied and they called me all kinds of names. One time I got stabbed by a pencil," she said.

But Ify was determined to rise above, so she pulled out her grandmother's sewing machine and got to work on what soon became "Chubiline," which she describes as "bringing Africa to America, one design at a time."

She's certainly getting noticed. "When I see her line, I see a future in the fashion industry," said Preston Walker, owner and founder of Small Boutique Fashion.

As for Ify, she's happy to have shared such a positive message. "I turned negative attention into positive attention," she said. Break a leg, Ify!

Malachi Love-Robinson, an 18-year-old from Florida, was arrested on Tuesday for practising medicine without a licence, according to WPBF. He was taken into custody by authorities who ran an undercover operation. Love-Robinson was allegedly advertising himself as a doctor on Facebook, and other similar sites.

The undercover operation was issued by the Palm Beach Narcotics Task Force and the Florida Department of Health. A county official pretended to be a patient receiving "medical advice" from a faux doctor.

"I'm hurt because of all of these allegations," Robinson told WPBF. "This is not the first time I have been accused and I will pursue this, and when I do, you will be the first to know."

Robinson was swiftly arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license, and he was held with a $6,000 bail with no attorney mentioned, according to NBC Washington. His office, New Birth New Life Alternative Medicine and Urgent Care Clinic, allegedly consists of a staff of 'alternative medical professionals."

This isn't the first time, however, the teen has been charged with fraudulent medical practices. Back in January of last year, at 17 he was accused of posing as a doctor at St.Mary's Medical Center. "I requested to shadow physicians," he told reporters at the time. "Next thing I know, cops are there. That's all I know."

On Tuesday afternoon, the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office tweeted this:"Just because you saw a season of Grey's Anatomy doesn't mean you could practice medicine.

Congratulatory Message by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller on the Occasion of Morgan Heritage Winning the Grammy Award for the Best Reggae Album

I take this opportunity to congratulate Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage on the stellar achievement of winning one of music's most prestigious honours-the Grammy Awards. Winning your first Grammy for Best Reggae Album is an exceptional accomplishment for you as a music group, but it is also a moment of great national pride for all Jamaicans at home and abroad. We celebrate this great success with you.

For decades, our artistes and musicians have taken Jamaica to the world stage; carrying our culture to the farthest reaches of the globe. Reggae music is not only a longstanding flag bearer for the Jamaican culture, but it has also provided the stirring backdrop in the fight for social justice around the world. Moreover, every year many tourists visit to our Island, captivated by the magnetism of our music, the beauty of Jamaica and the great vibe of our people.

UNESCO's recent designation of Kingston as a Creative City of Music is due in no small part to the work of our artistes and musicians, who throughout generations, have honed their craft in urban centres and communities in rural Jamaica. There is no doubt that creativity is in the DNA of our people and part of the rich heritage of our great nation.

We will continue to work to make the cultural and creative industries a centrepiece of social and economic development.

The National Cultural and Creative Industries Commission, in the Office of the Prime Minister, has been working with participants in the sector. It has been guiding the process to facilitate the strategic development of the creative economy to help our people reap, more fully, the fruits of their creative genius.

So today, I pay tribute to Morgan Heritage, all the other talented Jamaican artistes who were nominated in this year's Grammy Awards, as well as our music pioneers who have laid a solid foundation for us to build this sector.

Mr Mojo of the Grammy-wining sibling group, Morgan Heritage was relaxing in Kenya, when he heard the good news that Morgan Heritage had won the reggae Grammy.

In an interview with a local tabloid Mr Mojo thanked all the players who helped to make this dream a reality.

"It's more glory to the Most High, His grace and mercy allow us to be here. We are glad for the opportunity to do music and to uplift the culture and uplift Rastafari. We are proud Jamaicans and proud Rastafarians," he declared.

"We thank our families for their love and support, it's their sacrifice that keeps us going; the fans who come to our concerts and buy our music; the people behind the music who make fans aware of our music, people like Contractor, Roach, Yasmine Peru, Ray Alexander, Malica from MPR Consultants, Naheesha from Urban Relations, general manager Wendy Morgan."

Mojo also said thanks to radio disc jockeys in Jamaica and abroad, fellow musicians, the media and others who may have impacted their career somehow.

"All of the reggae fraternity, locally and internationally, we give thanks. It's not a one-man show, it's all of us as musicians and we feel very proud at this time to be part of such a bunch of musicians promoting love, unity, equality and justice."

Meanwhile, later this week, he joins his siblings for a tour of the USA, taking in New York, the Carolinas, Boston and other areas, after which the band returns to Africa for performances in Kenya, Zimbabwe (hopefully), Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Senegal and other countries.

Until then, Mojo says he is just relaxing and enjoying the announcement.

Dancehall artiste, Gully Bop has apparent ditched his new manager, KArl Durrant, in favour of his ex, Shauna Chin.

It is still not a certainty that the two lovebirds are securely back in each other's arms, but Chin has confirmed that she is "helping out Bop until he finds a new manager."

"He and Karl Durrant had a falling out and so I'm helping him to get a new manager so he can get back on his feet. Bop and I are not getting back together but I still care about him and want to see things work out for the best for him so I'm helping him out with some things," Shauna Chin is reported as saying.

She went on to say that she will not be taking up the job as Bop's new manager as she doesn't want to complicate things between the two.

According to Gully Bop, who had an public brawl with Chin when they split a few weeks ago, "I am not signed to anyone innu so whatever Chin say a so it go."

Meanwhile, Karl Durrant says he was only helping out the 51 year-old deejay and that things have obviously come to an end.

"Right now, I'm no longer representing him in any way as far as business is concerned. I have nothing against him and wish him all the best in the future," he added.

Dancehall artiste, Nesbeth, is in mourning following the passing of his wife wife who died Wednesday night in the United States.

An official statement released by the artiste's management team stated that Nesbeth's wife, Ann-Marie Elliot died of undisclosed complications.

"The family of the singer would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt love and continued support in this time of grief while requesting that their privacy be respected as they bereave a great loss," the release stated.

The People's National Party (PNP) is insisting that Andrew Holnes, Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has more questions to answer, following his disclosures regarding his Beverly Hills, St. Andrew home.

Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday, Delano Franklyn, PNP Campaign Spokesman, said the Party has conducted its own investigation with the assistance of experts and has concluded that the figures presented do not add up.

Franklyn said the response was not a satisfactory one and raised further questions.

"We do not intend to spend a lot of time discussing anymore the issue having to do with his house - but some areas are unsatisfactory. His quotation of 52 million dollars is not in keeping with experts in the field..."

On Monday, Holness said the construction of his house was financed through savings, salary, bank loans and suppliers' credit.

Franklyn said the PNP has other concerns about the loans secured by Holness from financial institutions.

The PNP wants to know if they were secured or un-secured loans; "and if they were secured loans, what assets were used to secure these particular loans."

Beverly Prince, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for St. Andrew East Central, has declared her intention to file a report with the police on Thursday, following an incident in which a man fired shots while her campaign team was in the constituency on Wednesday.

According to Prince, the incident took place in Kencot.

She said she was doing door-to-door campaigning when several gunshots were heard. Shortly afterwards, she said, a man rode up on a bicycle, informed her group that it was he who had fired the shots, and declared that "no Labourite" was welcome in that neighbourhood, before riding off.

However, the Cupertino company may tell the court it's unable to comply with the request as the nature of its encryption technology makes it impossible to do so. Such a response was used by Apple in a case last October when it told a New York judge it couldn't unlock an iOS device running iOS 8 or higher. The work phone of Syed Rizwan Farook, the San Bernadino shooter whose handset the FBI is trying to access, runs iOS 9. Apple introduced the tougher system in 2014 with the launch of iOS 8 following Edward Snowden's government surveillance revelations.

Judge Pym's court order marks the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between tech firms and policy makers over privacy and security in the digital world. Apple chief Tim Cook has stated on many occasions his support for unbreakable encryption for users. The CEO vehemently opposes granting investigators access to private data held on Apple's mobile devices, an act the company says would damage customer trust.

According to the Associated Press, which first reported Judge Pym's decision, investigators are hoping the phone's data will reveal information about who Farook and his wife communicated with and places they visited in lead up to the shooting. The pair were apparently careful to physically destroy two other personal handsets, preventing the FBI from extracting any information from them.

Speaking to members of Congress last week, FBI director James Comey touched on the case, saying his investigators had so far been unable to gain access to a phone connected with the San Bernardino shooting.

"It is a big problem for law enforcement armed with a search warrant when you find a device that can't be opened even when a judge says there's probable cause to open it," the FBI chief said, adding, "It affects our counterterrorism work....we still have one of those killers' phones that we have not been able to open, and it's been over two months and we're still working on it."

Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, gunned down 14 people on December 2 at an event for Farook's co-workers. The pair later died in a shootout with police. The FBI believes their attack was at least partly inspired by ISIS, as Malik's Facebook page showed a message pledging allegiance to the group.

As for Apple, it has five days to inform the LA court if it has an issue with its ruling.

Late Tuesday, Tim Cook offered a robust response to the ruling in an open letter to Apple customers.

He wrote that while Apple has worked hard with the FBI to help find out more about "this horrible crime," the security service has now asked the company "for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone."

Cook said the FBI wants Apple "to make a new version of the iPhone operating system" that would circumvent important security features to give it access to Farook's phone.

He even goes so far as to describe the implications of the government's demands as "chilling."

The CEO notes, "In the wrong hands, this software - which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession," ending with the message, "We are challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications."

The police have offered a reward of $500,000, even as they have launched a multi-agency probe into the disappearance of a Boston Whaler Vessel (motorboat) which was assigned to the Marine Police Division, and was discovered missing from where it was docked in Negril, Westmoreland on February 11.

A is also being offered for information leading to the recovery of the vessel, a grey 28-foot Boston Whaler boat with 'JCF 282' written on the side, and fitted with two 200-horsepower Yamaha engines.

Reports were that the vessel was last seen on Wednesday, February 10 about 10:30 pm., and was discovered missing the following Thursday at about 10:00 am. Since then, a diligent search operation has been on at all fishing beaches locally, with a view of locating the missing vessel.

In October last year, the United States Embassy handed over 10 boats to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to assist in the country's crime-fighting efforts at sea

The 37-foot Boston Whaler vessels, donated by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, are valued at US$1.5 million.

The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist with the investigations to contact the Marine Police Headquarters at 923-9728, the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) Headquarters at 922-4487, the police 119 emergency number, Crime Stop at 311 or 811, or the nearest police station.

Dr Phillips on Tuesday morning responded to questions asked of him by Jamaica Labour Party Leader Andrew Holness concerning the purchase of his house.

Dr Phillips, in a written statement, said he and his wife purchased the house in 1991 for $1.5 million, through a mortgage from Victoria Mutual Building Society.

The loan was repayable over 20 years, with monthly repayments over the period.

Below is the full text of the responses given by Dr. Phillips to each question:

Q 1. Dr Phillips, as a parliamentarian earning practically the same salary as the Leader of the Opposition, how did you afford the house you presently live in, which is valued at multiple times your salary?

A. My house was purchased by me and my wife (a practicing attorney-at-law) on the open market on June 21, 1991 for J$1,500,000 with mortgage funding from Victoria Mutual Building Society repayable over 20 years and repaid via monthly payments over that period in accordance with the mortgage terms.

Q 2. Were you a part of the Cabinet of Jamaica which created FINSAC, and which took away the property of many hard-working Jamaicans and decimated the entrepreneurial class?

A. Finsac Limited was incorporated on January 29, 1997 by the PNP administration of which I was a part to rescue the savings of many thousands of ordinary Jamaican depositors and policy holders whose savings were loaned by those institutions to entrepreneurs (borrowers) who were unable, unwilling or forgot to repay the money they borrowed. That rescue was funded with taxpayers' money which expenditure was recouped by realizing that property voluntarily mortgaged by the borrowers to the institutions as security for the money they borrowed.

Q 3. If the answer to question 2 is yes, did you acquire any of the properties taken over by FINSAC, or benefit in anyway whatsoever.

A. No.

Q4. Did members of the Cabinet that created FINSAC acquire properties taken over by FINSAC.

A. I am unable to speak for individual members of the Cabinet of the day, but expect each individual is able to speak for him or herself.

Q5. Do the answers to questions 2, 3 and 4 explain your unwillingness to complete and release the FINSAC report?

A. It is the FINSAC Commissioners, not me, who are to complete the report (having already been paid millions for their services). They have not done so or, if they have, they have not sent it to me. I am not withholding the FINSAC report from release. I cannot release something I have not received.

6. Do you own or have a beneficial interest in a house in Beverly Hills?

A. No.

7. Are there members the Cabinet who have offshore companies?

A. I do not have one. I have no knowledge of whether or not any other cabinet member has one. They can speak for themselves.

8. Will you declare any assets you have overseas?

A. I have no assets overseas and all my assets (and the assets of my spouse) have been declared annually in accordance with the law since 1989.

9. Will the officers of the PNP, including yourself, testify and come clean about Trafigura?

A. I have not been asked to testify. I believe that those who do testify will do so truthfully.

Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown has intervened in the squabble between the leaders of the two main political parties ahead of the February 25 general election.

Parchment Brown has propsed a meeting Wednesday with PNP President Portia Simpson Miller and JLP Leader Andrew Holness and says that she is "very hopeful that both will be available (on Wednesday the 17th) so we're making every effort to organize a meeting at some point during the day." .

The tension has resulted from public utterances by both leaders as well as threats of legal action.

Mrs Parchment Brown said she had written to Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Holness and tried to arrange a meeting on Monday of this week, but neither was able to attend on that day.

For many Valentine's Day is a show of love for spouses but for Asafa Powell, it is a show of love for his children.

Yes! Children.

The former world record holder took to social media on Sunday to reveal he has a son and share both his children with the world.

"A lot of you may not know but I do have a son. My kids are everything to me and all I want for Valentine's Day. My personal life has nothing to do with my professional life so it's really nobody's business, but today I'm posting my Valentines ... Meet Avani Powell and Liam Powell. #myheartbeats #prouddad," he wrote.

The post was accompanied by a picture of both children holding hands.

The athlete's Facebook and Instagram pages were pictures of shock, happiness and well wishes.

The ruling People's National Party (PNP) on Tuesday unveiled its development plan for Jamaica should it be re-elected in the February 21 General Election.

See below the PNP's '21 Further Steps to Progress' outlined in its manifesto launched on Tuesday:

1) Add at least 100,000 new jobs over the next five years. This will include improving the room stock in the hotel industry by over 14,000 in the next decade, creating more than 40,000 permanent jobs as well as a special youth employment programme that will place 10,000 persons in new jobs.

2) Continue to actively support a national security policy that increasingly empowers citizens, promotes security, peace and safety in communities while reinforcing a culture of lawfulness and public order.

3) Establish a single anti-corruption agency to replace the Parliamentary Integrity Commission, the Office of the Contractor General and the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, to enable the more efficient fight of corruption in Jamaica.

4) Eliminate the shift system in both primary and secondary schools to allow maximum contact time for both teaching and learning, thus contributing to the push to raise educational standards. Accelerate the expansion of the school feeding programme as part of poverty alleviation, to respond to the needs of more students and in support regular attendance at school.

5) Increase investments in order to develop a better trained and more productive labour force to help achieve our national development goals. Our focus will be on the increase application of science and technologyand integrating training programmes appropriate to the 21st century.

6) Continue the extensive modernization of the country's physical infrastructure in order to expand the opportunities for agriculture, tourism, housing and commercial development as part of our growth agenda.

7) Accelerate the programme to build a logistic-centred economy, develop special economic zones and remove constraints in doing business, while placing emphasis on integrating manufacturing with other sectors in the domestic economy.

8) Facilitate investment in the provision of increased space for business process outsourcing through the combined efforts of the Factories Corporation, the port Authority and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

9) Transform MSMEs into competitive enterprises by building capacity, expanding entrepreneurship through training in marketing, leadership communication and technical skills and providing financing through the Development Bank of Jamaica.

10) Accelerate the modernization and expansion of the agricultural sector that will be supported by increased investment and the repair and rehabilitation of 41 farm roads across the island.

12) Create and Facilitate housing solutions to increase substantially the number of Jamaican families who own and live in their own homes. Special priority will be given to satisfying the demand in the lowest income bracket.

13) Improve the quality of health care in our major hospitals, while upgrading community health care facilities across the country. Emphasis will be placed on access and accountability of health care for all with special attention to children to children and senior citizens, improving the benefits available through NHF, JADEP and NI Gold. We will also establish a full integrated medical cannabis and nutraceutical.

14) Develop a national shelter strategy for victims of gender-based violence. This will include the construction of four shelters for the protection of women who experience sexual or physical abuse.

15) Establish a cultural and creative industries enhancement fund, develop a creative economy policy and an overarching master plan to support the creation of an enabling environment for the growth and development of the cultural and creative industries.

16) Create a modern Jamaica Council for Person with Disabilities to direct and guide the programmes of policies impacting peoples with disabilities and establish a Disabilities Rights Tribunal to adjudicate complaints of discrimination.

17) Establish a National Agency for Meteorology and Climate Change Reliance, while implementing an integrate approach to restoring and managing our watershed management units.

18) Continue as a matter of priority the implementation of tax reform to further lower the rates of taxes including income tax, both personal and corporate as well GCT, transfer tax and asset tax as the fiscal situation improves. Expand the range of tax relief measures available under the Urban Renewal Act for the Kingston Metropolitan Area and extend relief to significant urban centres in rural Jamaica.

19) Expand new and existing sewerage systems in the Kingston Metropolitan region.

20) Continue the transformation of the public sector to make it a more efficient customer service oriented sector, an enabling environment which supports the further growth and development of entities as a vehicle for stimulating investment and broadening the base of ownership, including through listings on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and Junior Market.

21) Continue our work in foreign affairs and foreign trade while strengthening our relationship with Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

Kanye West's longtime songwriting collaborator Rhymefest, who has worked on songs including "Jesus Walks" and "New Slaves," tweeted on Friday that he stopped working with West last month and that the rapper needs counseling.

Rhymefest, who's real name is Che Smith, replied to a comment that he should be writing West's Twitter posts as well as his song, saying, "my brother needs help, in the form of counseling. Spiritual & mental. He should step away from the public & yesmen & heal."

Friday was supposed to be West's release day for his highly anticipated new album, Life of Pablo, but it was delayed apparently due to some last minute adds from Chance the Rapper. West has been criticized since debuting an earlier version of the album at his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show over lyrics about Taylor Swift that many have found to be misogynistic. He has also recently tweeted that Bill Cosby is innocent and engaged in a Twitter feud with Wiz Khalifa.

Although dancehall artiste Agent Sasco didn't attend the Grammys on Monday, his presence was surely felt inside the Staples arena, Los Angeles where the event was held.

Sasco's big moment came when rapper Kendrick Lamar, the biggest act at the 2016 Grammys (with an overall 11 nominations) performed his politically-charged hit single The Blacker The Berry which features Agent Sasco.

Lyrics like: "Remember this, every race start from the black" which Agent Saco delivers in the song rang out inside the venue as Kendrick Lamar and his dancers delivered a spirited performance which is now being hailed as one of the best Grammy performances of all time.

Released February 9 last year, The Blacker The Berry is on Lamar's his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly which also won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Meanwhile, Sasco's Theory Of Reggaetivity which is set for official release on February 19.

"When these things happen automatically you get other opportunities that come from it. This Friday I release my first project in 10 years The Theory Of Reggativity and you can imagine with the happenings last night it's all good stuff and I just have to stay working and stay ready for the opportunities that come," Sasco is reported as saying.

He added, "Kendrick could have done so many things with his performance, he had other singles that he could have done and then he could have performed the song without playing my portion so I just have to be grateful that the music got represented on such a huge platform and the the culture and the music was presented at prime time during the Grammys."

Dancehall entertainer Andrae Sutherland aka Popcaan appeared before the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer at the Norman Manley International Airport, three years ago.

Popcaan was fined J$25-thousand or six months in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, his attorney Bert Samuels urged senior magistrate, Judith Pusey, not to record the conviction as it would affect his travels abroad to perform.

Prosecutors reported that on November 24, 2013, Popcaan was preparing to leave the island when he was stopped by the police who requested a search of his luggage.

The entertainer refused to be searched and became boisterous, using expletives to the officers.

During the dispute he used a Hennessy bottle to hit one of the policemen in the face.

"Words are not enough as we sit here representing reggae music among the best talent in music. Thank you to all our fans and team that played a part of Strictly Roots album! We Won ...Yes Rasta." - Morgan hweitage on winning the Reggae Grammy.

Winning the Regae Grammy on your very first nomination is certaily a feat and this is exactly what siblin group, Morgan Heritage did when they were announced winners at the 58th Grammy Awards ceremony which took place at the Nokia Theater L.A in Los Angeles, California, Monday night.

Morgan Heritage won from a field of nominees which included Jah Cure' (The Cure); Luciano, (Zion Awake); Barrington Levy, (Acousticalevy) and Rocky Duwani, (Branches Of The Same Tree).

A plethora of international artistes took to social media to commend the group, among them John Legend, Stephen Marley, Bunji Garlin, Alaine, Tarrus Riley, Chino and the Big Ship captain, Freddie McGregor.

Underdogs West Indies Under-19s stunned favourites India Under-19s by five wickets in a low-scoring final of the ICC Youth Cricket World Cup, to crown themselves World champions for the first time in their history here yesterday.

Chasing 146 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, the Caribbean side were reduced to 77 for five in the 29th over before they were bailed out by a brilliant unbeaten half-century by Man of the Match Keacy Carty, to get home in the last over with a mere three balls to spare.

Carty stroked an unbeaten 52 off 125 balls with two fours and added a precious 69 in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with the consistent Keemo Paul who struck a busy 40 not out off 68 deliveries with a four and a six.

Entering the final over of the game with three runs needed, Paul got the winning runs when he charged seamer Khaleel Ahmed and top-edged a pull over the wicketkeeper for four, to spark wild celebrations in the West Indies camp.

"I feel very good right now. Words can't even explain how I feel right now," an overwhelmed Young Windies captain Shimron Hetmyer said. "How the guys played today showed we were supposed to be champions today and we came out on top."

The victory had earlier been set up by the irrepressible Alzarri Joseph who tore through the India Under-19s top order with a fine exhibition of fast bowling, to send the innings tumbling to 145 all out off 45.1 overs.

He claimed three for 39 from his 10 overs, while seamers Ryan John (3-38) and Paul (2-17) provided excellent support, as India faltered badly after they were sent in - crashing to 50 for five in the 18th over and never really recovering.

Sarfaraz Khan top-scored with 51 off 89 balls and Rahul Batham got 21, but they were just two of three batsmen to make it into double figures.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has placed several states under immediate drought watch or warning for 2016.

CDEMA has expressed immediate drought concerns for these countries, due to below-normal rain during the previous dry and wet seasons. This resulted in a number of countries experiencing water shortages in 2015.

Drought alerts have been issued by the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology for several countries, up to March 2016.

Drought warnings have been issued for Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, northern Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago as well as northern Suriname.

A drought watch has been issued for Grenada while there is a drought concern in east and south Haiti.

Jamaica looks set to benefit from a visit by tennis queen Serena Williams in more ways than one, with the sports star rolling up her sleeves and whipping out her chequebook to help build a school on the island.

ESPN reports that the project is funded through the 34-year-old sports icon's foundation in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica to help build the Salt Marsh Primary School.

Apart from assisting with funding, the tennis ace is getting hands-on and doing some of the manual work herself, moreover.

On Tuesday she shared a short video on Instagram showing herself clad in an "I built a school with Serena" T-shirt and wearing goggles, gloves and a tool belt while painting a door at the new school.

The charitable work comes amidst some well-deserved downtime in Jamaica following the American champion's surprise defeat at the Australian Open last month.

Williams, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, is chilling out on vacation at a luxury beachfront villa in Old Fort Bay near Ocho Rios, according to celebrity website TMZ.

Her US$20,000-a-week, three-acre vacation rental boasts a 10,000 square foot home with seven bedrooms, eight-and-a-half bathrooms, a thatched roof gazebo and outdoor bar, as well as the convenience of a nearby helipad.

The plush property also comes with a full complement of staff, including a butler, a chef and assistant-cook, housekeepers, a laundress, a gardener, and a pool and beach man.

Fit for a sports queen, the palatial getaway also comes with a Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, a putting green, gym, massage room, kayaks and other watersports equipment

The oceanfront villa would not be complete without its clay tennis court, enabling Williams to maintain her winning form.

REPORTS ARE THAT AN OPENLY GAY MAN PUBLICLY DECLARED HIS SEXUAL PREFERENCES WHILE ON THE pnp CAMPAIGN TRAIL LAST WEEK.

According to persons in the know, the gay man is the son of veteran dancehall artiste, Ninjaman. Ninjaman, the renowned gold-teet-gun-pon-teet-don-gorgon, had this to say on the matter:

"Ah time to realise say man ah big man a represent the country and the media fi stop ask mi bout carelessness. Dem leggo the ting inna the country, that is why yu can see dem ting de inna motorcade, the country open, and people ah do as dem feel a mind. You know how much artiste a gay, how much police a gay, how much soldier a gay? Mi no business who waan tun gay!" he said.

"Ask me about mi music and the people dem who mi a help fi elevate demself. Ask mi bout mi career. When mi go prison fi three years and come back a road, the country change, mi see things a happen, so why ask me? Where is the love of God? Where is the respect for God? Mi no business wid dem because mi nah fast inna people sexual preferences," an animated Ninjaman said.

The dancehall community is notorious for its anti-gay culture but the 'Don Gorgon' said he does not harbour any ill-will or negativity towards gays.

Shauna Chin, Glly Bop's former manager says that the actress Shauna Chin is using a lawsuit threat against her as an opportunity to get some free publicity.

The recording artiste who recently signed a deal with Diamond Music Empire and who now uses the stage-name Chin Chin has been served a cease and desist order by lawyers acting on behalf of the actress.

"Leave my name out of your mouth. You are just using my name to try to be recognised in your own country that you ditched for how many decades now. We know say yu spit pan stone and fling behind yu when yu left on the iron bird . Again Miss big Hollywood actress Shauna Chin, stop using my name to create a hype for yourself," Chin Chin said in a press release.

"I don't want to sit on this issue because it's not going anywhere, I have better and bigger things to do. My name has been in the media in Jamaica for a year and you didn't wanna sue then why sue now? You claimed my name has tarnished your professional reputation when that sounds like a big lie. If you were so accomplished in your field, no one could mistake you for me, a mere dancehall artiste? That sounds like yu want some cheap publicity," the recording artiste, formerly known as Shauna Chin, added.

The actress is most known for her guest starring role on Jamaican television series The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate and the Festival De Cannes award winning short film Choices. Meanwhile, the other 'Shauna Chin' exploded on the dancehall scene in late 2014 with her highly-publicised romance with deejay sensation, Gully Bop.

"Once she began using the name to perform on largely popular billed shows such as Sumfest, my legal team initiated the cease and desist process," said the actress in a release last week.

However, Chin Chin said: "If a company wanna hire you for a set they would know the difference because you are a actress and I'm known for what I'm known for as a dancehall personality. Your corner is dark if people don't know the difference by now. Instead, you came in the papers with a whole resume of what you do and don't do. Instead of feeding the homeless in LA, why don't you do that for your fellow countrymen? Now you wanna pop up out of nowhere talking about claiming name... again, and for the last time, my birth name is Shauna and my pet name is Chin, my entertainer name is from Gully Chin to Chin Chin. I can't stop my fans or anyone else to call me by that name."

"As you can see on social media , my fans in Jamaica don't know you, until now when you're claiming name. Please stop riding off my name and career for your publicity and promotion. How about coming here on a trip and help single mothers who are struggling, and others who need help here. We as the lucky ones who get the break should look back on our lives and help our black maroons. For the "big" Jamaican actress you are, you should be showing your face more often in the papers and represent your country. I am going to be working on my video shoot this weekend for hit song, My Life'."

Tributes have been pouring in for Love FM's veteran news and sports editor Arbedene 'Dean' Reid who passed away very suddenly on Friday morning.

An employee at the station confirmed that Reid unexpectedly died on Frday after a "very brief" illness.

"He was at work up to yesterday (Thursday) and he started complaining that his stomach was hurting. A co-worker took him to the doctor who then sent him on to the hospital - Andrews Memorial," she explained.

Reid was treated and sent home that very night, but the following morning, the husband and father died at home.

"It is a shock to us all. Dean was here at work every single day. He started with the station 23 years ago and the only time he was absent was when he was on leave," the devastated co-worker said.

Reid was remembered as a joyous personality and dedicated professional, who was very God-fearing.

Meanwhile, condolences poured in on Love 101 FM's website from the ardent listeners who have been tuing in over the years to listen to reid's programmes on air.

R.I.P man of God. My condolences to the family of Love 101 and his wife and children. I am not really a sports fan, I know about sports. I enjoyed listening to him on Saturday morning, he was passionate about the sports.

Condolences to the love family and immediate family on loose such stalwart one that was very devouted Bro Reid. R.I.P

Mr. Reid you were a true stalwart and preacher of righteousness. I have never met you in person but your daily reminder of the coming of the Lord and the need to always be ready will always reside with me. Thank you sir. Rest in peace. Meet you in Beulah land. Take care until then. LOVE family and his immediate family take courage, it was a race well run. Fro: Bro. Hutchi.

Word from his own heart "My passport is update to enter those pearly gates my visa stamped and issued from mount Calvary" so he is in his rest. Rest in peace Uncle Son Reid

Condolences to the family of Bro Reid and Love FM. Its really sad... Bro Reid has been a man with a huge heart who loved God with all his heart. His morning programme the 'Sounds of Sanity' has been a blessing to be each time I tuned in. My prayers are with you!!!- Rev. Monica Mckenzie

Details have emerged surrounding the purchase of the Beverly Hills, St. Andrew property by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.

This comes against the background of questions raised by Dr. Peter Phillips concerning the Opposition Leader's finances and details surrounding the purchase. The property was purchased by a St. Lucian based company called Admat Incorporated in 2011, when Holness was the Minister of Education.

Admat Incorporated's registered address is 10 Manoel Street, Castries, St. Lucia. The Registered Instrument reportedly bears the signature of Holness in his capacity as a Director. However, it's unclear if he remains a Director at this time.

According to a copy of the transfer document from the registry of the Titles Office, Holness, signed as a Director of Admat to purchase a piece of land in Beverly Hills, St Andrew in March 2011.

The property, which was previously owned by at least five individuals, was bought for US$300,000, or J$26 million at the time.

It must be noted that serious questions were asked of Mr. Holiness re this matter by members of his own party in mid 2015 to the point where some of the party's financial backers threatened to withhold funding until Holiness declared his source of funds to undertake this expensive acquisition.

5 Questions for Andrew Holness re his Beverly Hills mansion

1. What is the hidden connection between Andrew Holness and this 'Admat Incorporated, Castries,St. Lucia'?

2. Why was an offshore shell company used as a vehicle by Mr. Holness to purchase the property?

3. If the land was brought ("About seven years ago I purchased an undeveloped piece of land which I originally intended to hold and develop sometime in the future ~2008".), why wait until 2011 to get a registered title?

4. What is the reason for using a St. Lucian registered Company, instead of the Holness name? Is there some kind of fancy tax shelter business going on?

5. How did Andrew Holness acquire the funds to purchase this property and erect the mansion which is rumoured to cost in the region of 200 million Jamaican dollars?

Really and truly now, what is all this hullabaloo about the name Shauna Chin? Nuh from 2014 we a hear bout Gully Bop manager/fiancee shauna Chin, aka Miss Chin? So how all of a sudden now Miss-Big-Hollywood-Actress want to come claims up the name?in

Tell me something,don't people have the same name all the while?! So how Miss-Big-Hollywood-Actress a send letter to dancehall Shauna Chin bout 'cease and desist'. We agree wid Shauna Chin/Chin Chin that this actress chick yah a look a hype off Miss Chin. Cause, fi real, nobody neava know bout she. After Shauna Chin deh bout inna dancheall more than a year,this actree chick just pop up now and a list out her credentials and talk bout how people a mix up di two a dem.

Fabian change him name by deed poll and tell everybody that him name is registered wid the United States government and nobody cyann do nutten bout dat. So Shauna Chin aka Chin Chin, if you want to get real mean go have a chat wid Fabian. If yuh want Fabian Fabian number, give we a shout out and we will send it on.

For the days leading up to Trinidad carnival the entire island is under a festive glee. Sweet sounds of sofa take over the streets non stop for days upon end.

Whether you are a native Trinidadian or came in for a good time, everyone takes in the action at what is truly the best time here on the island. So much so that the party don't stop for nothing. Slings, crutches or cane - You are guaranteed to see it going through the streets and in the parade.

Carnival is so much a religion that you will see people limping and hopping around but still enjoying the great carnival vibes. Jouvert morning which takes place in the wee hours of carnival Monday is the official paint, mud, clay and chocolate street party.

It's a sight to see thousands of people take to the streets covered. Carnival Tuesday is where all the beautiful costumes come out. From big bands to small bands everyone is wearing a costume. Now some people more than others really shouldn't but that's all part of the good fun in Trinidad and Tobago.

So farewell carnival 2016 we had a blast. On to 2017. By the way it's February 27th and 28th.

Port-of-Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee has apologised for comments "attributed to him" at a news conference yesterday, insisting they were taken out of context. In the same breath, he has agreed that his comments could have been considered out of line.

Following the announcement of the Downtown Carnival results at his City Hall office yesterday, Mayor Tim Kee was asked for his comment on the discovery of the body of a female masquerader at the Queen's Park Savannah.

The statements suggested that the woman's death, later identified as Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya, was in some way linked to a culture of lewdness.

The Mayor says his comments were completely misconstrued, and singled out a headline in a daily newspaper which read "POS Mayor criticises women". Tim Kee said it was a matter of "drawing fire even before the article was read."

Recognized reggae artiste, Guidance, is gearing up to deliver a memorable performance at Paradise Lost, Jamaica and the Caribbean's first ever EDM festival.

The Love What You Got singer, who is also working on his debut album, is quite excited at being added to the line-up of the inaugural three-day event which is being touted as one of the biggest music festivals to hit Jamaica. Paradise Lost, which is scheduled to be held March 10 - 12 at Grizzly's Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios, has attracted big names in EDM including Bassnectar and Tiesto, along with dub legend King Jammy, Zion I, AlunaGeorge, Felix Jaehn and Big Gigantic

An enthusiastic Guidance stated, "It's definitely an honour to be a part of this historic event. It really doesn't get any better than this and I am seizing this moment to connect with a whole new set of music lovers and, of course, to learn as much as I can from the legends so that one day I can fill their shoes."

The singer, whose latest song, Girlfriend Yard, has received much love on radio and in the clubs, pointed out that an accompanying music video has already been released and his team is looking to put out a follow-up track, also from the upcoming album, (People Have) Problems Everyday. As yet untitled, the 14-track album is being produced by Phree Music Records, the same outfit to which the artiste is signed.

Guidance, who has been involved in the music business for more than a decade and a half noted that he was quite happy at the progress of the project. When quizzed as to what took him so long to release his first album, the singer from Portmore, St Catherine, was quite philosophical in his answer, "Nothing happens before the right time."

Doing what seems to come naturally, he took time to commend his team, which is intent on getting the right persons at every step of the project. He revealed that the single Girlfriend Yard was mastered at London's famous Metropolis Studio by John Davis who has worked with mega acts including Led Zeppelin, U2 and Lana del Ray. Most of the voicing is being done at Mikey Bennet's Grafton Studio in Kingston.

Police reports say that an autopsy performed on the pannist show that death was by strangulation.As a result, Nagakiya's death is now being treated as a murder.

This was confirmed yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James following a post-mortem performed by forensic pathologist, Dr Valery Alexandrov.

Alexandrov's report revealed that Nagakiya's death was due to "manual strangulation", indicating that someone used their hands to strangle the pannist to death.

Nagakiya, who played with PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, was found lying on her side under a tree in the Queen's Park Savannah. Her body was discovered by some men on Ash Wednesday morning. She was clad in a yellow costume with an armband from the band Legacy. One of the men said she had a laceration on one arm as well as several bruises.

Her body was identified by the Japanese Embassy.

A regular visitor to Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival, Nagakiya captured images of J'ouvert which she posted on her Facebook page on Carnival Monday. Her close friend and pan colleague at Silver Stars Marcus Ash said it was a bitter pill for all to swallow.

"I think right now generally Silver Stars is shattered. She was like the life of Silver Stars. That person that would make everybody laugh. She never had a sad moment from the minute she touched down in Piarco. It would have been a dream come through for her I think, to be part of the band down here to win a Panorama. She was in love with her craft," Ash said. He noted that her glowing optimism and positivity had even recently got him through a personal ordeal.

She was a trained musician by profession, and had arrived in Trinidad on January 7, 2016, to participate in Carnival-related events.

She was from Kanagawa Ken Yokohama-shi Aoba-Ku Aobadai, Japan. Snr Supt Oswald Cudjoe, who heads the Homicide Bureau, is spearheading the investigation into the murder. Senior investigators told the Express yesterday that they had been visited by several persons who spent time with Nagakiya before she died and were willing to assist with enquiries.

The Express was also reported that investigators had "solid information" about a suspect that they were hoping to have in custody soon.

The police have determined that the deadly attack on a JLP motorcade in the hotbed community of Flanker, St James, was gang related.

According to the man in charge of the St. James Police Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor, a high level probe into Wednesday's incident along Kodak Street, in Flanker stemmed from gang warfare. One man was shot and killed, and three other persons wounded in the incident .

A total of 12 motor vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

The top cop has revealed that the incident took place close to the home of Javin Campbell, who was shot and killed at a JLP mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square on Sunday.

SSP McGregor explained that no permission was granted for a motorcade to take place in Flanker given the prospects for reprisal, following Sunday's fatal shooting.

The St. James Police are again calling for good sense to prevail during the election campaign.

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness says he will be taking action against the Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, this following reports that Simpson Miller would take legal action if Holness does not apologize for a comment he made in reference to her during a television interview.

Holness responded to the threat of legal proceedings that he had not received the letter from her attorney and that he has also asked his attorneys to investigate her describing him as an" enemy of the State" with a view of taking similar action.

The Opposition leader described the legal move against him as a ploy to avoid the pre-election debate, to be staged by the Jamaica Debates Commission.

And attorney at law Bert Samuels, who is representing the Prime Minister, is requesting more than a written apology from Mr Holness.

Samuels is contending that an apology alone would not negate the perceived damage.

Simpson Miller is alleging that the Opposition Leader defamed her in the television interview during nomination day proceedings on Tuesday.

As reported by the Argentinian doctors in their report, Zika virus has never been known to cause brain deformations in children:

Previous Zika epidemics did not cause birth defects in newborns, despite infecting 75% of the population in those countries. Also, in other countries such as Colombia there are no records of microcephaly; however, there are plenty of Zika cases.

The entire reason these brain deformations are being blamed on the Zika virus, we're now learning, is so that powerful chemical companies can sell more toxic chemicals that poison the people and the environment even more! From the doctors' report:

Brazilian doctors (Abrasco) are claiming that the strategy of chemical control is contaminating the environment as well as people, that it is not decreasing the amount of mosquitoes, and that this strategy is in fact a commercial manoeuvre from the chemical poisons industry, deeply integrated into Latin American ministries of health as well as WHO and PAHO.

It's a vicious cycle, of course: The government sprays chemicals that cause brain deformations in children, but in order to avoid blaming the chemicals, they blame mosquitoes, thereby demanding MORE toxic chemicals be sprayed, causing yet more deformations that demand yet more chemicals and so on.

If all this sounds familiar, it's because it's ripped right out of the playbook of the vaccine industry: Many vaccines actually cause epidemics (which is why children who are stricken with measles and mumps have almost always been previously vaccinated against measles and mumps), thereby increasing public demand for more vaccines which cause more outbreaks, ad infinitum.

It's the perfect business model: When your product causes an epidemic of disease or birth defects, just find something else to blame and then pay off all the government health authorities to demand more of your product! After all, even the CDC loves these pandemics because it gives them an opportunity to exhibit more "authority" and push for more vaccines.

Billions already pledged to the vaccine industry... even with no scientific evidence of a link

Based entirely on fraudulent information and quack science, President Obama has now called for $1.8 billion in government handouts to vaccine companies and pharmaceutical corporations to combat Zika. Yet the linkage between Zika and microcephaly is nothing but an unproven, unscientific, mythological narrative dreamed up by the vaccine pushers. It carries the same scientific weight as saying "Black cats cause bad luck" or "Rubbing a rabbit's foot gives me good luck."

Hence the term "vaccine voodoo" which is a technically accurate description of the total lack of science underpinning the fraudulent vaccine industry. Isn't it amazing how quickly the government, the media and the vaccine pushers have leaped to their preferred conclusion about microcephaly even without a shred of scientific evidence to support such a notion?

(Hey, it's a pandemic... they don't need any real EVIDENCE, right?)

A massive science hoax, vaccine hoax and chemical hoax all designed to generate more industry profits while ignoring the true causes of suffering in Brazilian children

Once you put all the pieces of this puzzle together, it becomes crystal clear: The Zika virus narrative is a massive quack science hoax that's being pushed solely to sell more chemicals, more GM mosquitoes, more vaccines and more fumigation of the Brazilian population with deadly substances.

The real cause of microcephaly is being systematically ignored, lending yet more support to the idea that this is all part of the population control agenda to poison the people of Brazil, deliberately reduce their offspring to mutants, increase abortions and demand that women no longer get pregnant.

All the signs are there, folks. This is the Bill Gates human depopulation agenda in full swing, disguised as a mosquito virus outbreak. It's no mistake that the larvicide chemicals are being sprayed in the poorest areas of Brazil, targeting those very same populations that are now being told, "Don't have any more babies!"

A pissed-off passenger who was not allowed to smoke or drink alcohol aboard a Paris-bound plane took out his frustrations on a fellow flier by urinating on him.

The mile-high waterworks forced the Air Meditarranee flight from Algiers to divert to Lyon when flight attendants pinned the shirtless goon after a free-for-all, the MailOnline reported.

Another man involved in the melee also was removed from the Airbus A321 at Lyon, where the charter flight was delayed for about three hours. The airline, based in Toulouse, uses Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris as its hub for domestic flights and international routes to the Canary Islands, Greece and Lebanon, among other destinations.

Jamaican born Professor of Theology and Ethics at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Noel Erskine, is the 2016 recipient of the Atlanta Jamaica Association's (AJA) Black History Month Award.

Professor Noel Erskine, who hails from St. Thomas and is the former Pastor of the Ulster Spring Baptist Church in Trelawny, has been recognized for his over 35 years of service to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities in Atlanta. Dr. Erskine has also been honoured for his extensive work in chronicling black history as well as his study of black religion.

A member of the American Academia of Religion and Black Theology, Rev. Erskine also serves on the Advisory Council of the Secretariat of the Free Trade Area of the Americas in Atlanta.

Presenting the award at the AJA's Annual Black History Month celebration at the St. Timothy Methodist Church in Atlanta, on February 6, was Immediate Past President of the AJA, Mr. Errol Ritchie.

Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Mrs. Jewel Scott, lauded Professor Erskine for his outstanding contribution to the Jamaican community and the awareness he has brought to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities about black religion.

Accepting the award, Professor Erskine called on members of the audience to unite and work together to make Jamaicans in the Diaspora and those at home, the people God has called them to become - a people with love and concern for those edged out on the margins of society.

Primary and secondary school students who are already registered participants under the Ministry of Youth and Culture's Culture Passport programme are to benefit from targeted initiatives being hosted by the Ministry's Culture Agencies and selected cultural communities during February, which is being observed as Black History and Reggae Month.

Culture Passport allows young people to experience Jamaica's culture and heritage. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Youth and Culture's ongoing efforts to fulfil its mandate to share with Jamaicans the depth of Jamaica's cultural heritage. Culture Passports provide students free or reduced cost access to several heritage sites, museums and cultural performances. Students can access Culture Passports by becoming members of their school's Culture Club programme which currently operates in over 200 primary and high schools island-wide. The Culture Club programme was developed by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) which manages the programme on behalf of the Ministry.

The Culture Passport programme is the brainchild of the Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna who, in developing the initiative, noted that Jamaicans, particularly youth, are largely unaware of the country's culture and heritage.

Students drawn from a number of Culture Clubs in primary and secondary schools across the island will also be able to participate at reduced rates in all Black History and Reggae Month activities being hosted by other divisions of the Institute of Jamaica. These include the Jamaica Music Museum, the Natural History Museum, Liberty Hall, and the National Gallery.

Passport holders will also be able to access an exhibition called BJCM- Jamaica's First World Heritage Site mounted by the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica. The exhibition highlights the cultural heritage of the Blue and John Crow Mountains and opens on February 16.

Two of the island's cultural communities, Moore Town and Accompong are also supporting the Culture Passport initiative, having reduced access fees for tours of the communities.

Detectives are trying to ascertain the circumstances which led to the killing of a couple at their home, in Edinburgh, Newport, Manchester on Monday.

Dead are 72-year-old Lanzel Gregory and his 67-year-old wife, Coretta. About 8 o'clock Monday evening, the police were called to the area by residents who became suspicious after not seeing the couple for several hours.

Their bodies were found with what appears to be stab wounds. Investigators are awaiting the results of a post mortem. According to the police, the couple's

A man who was wanted by the police for several gun-related crimes, 30-year-old Jermaine Williams, otherwise called 'Marlon, of Central Village, St Catherine, has been captured.

Williams, who was wanted by the Central Village Police for seven counts of shooting with intent,.was held by the police assigned to the St Catherine North Division.

According to police reports, at about 10:45 am they were on operation when they went to search a premises. They were reportedly greeted with gunfire, which was returned. During a ceasefire, Williams was found at the back of the premises and was subsequently arrested.

One Taurus 9mm pistol along with five rounds of ammunition was also found in bushes.

While Elephant Man is rejoicing being allowed to walk free from a case of rape, assault and buggery, he must not forget that he wasn't proven innocent of the alleged crime of rape, buggery and assault.

Instead, Elephant Man walked free because the alleged victim died.

It would have been respectful to hear him offer even one word of condolence to the alleged vicitm who died and was buried three weeks before the ccccase was called up. The alleged victim must have been on good terms with Elephant Man at some point since the alleged incident reportedly took place at his house.

"Believe me, mi overwhelmed. Mi just a give God thanks. Mi haffi give him the glory because it wasn't easy. When me hear dem say 'not guilty', a the best thing cudda ever happen to me. To God be the glory," he is reported as saying.

According to Elephant Man, he had dedicated the last four years of his career to this case in an effort to prove to his fans that he was innocent of the charges.But, he has yet to prove his innocent, except that every man is innocent until proven guilty.

The police report that between 40 and 50 spent shells were recovered on the scene of the shooting in the crime ravaged community of Flanker in Montego Bay, St James on Nomination Day

It is not quite clear the number of persons who were injured when the bus carrying Jamaica Labour Party supporters was shot up in the community.

The Flanker community has been racked by an ongoing gang feud between member of the Sparta and Rebel gangs who have been at loggerheads for several weeks.

On Sunday at a JLP mass rally at Sam Sharpe Square, three persons were murdered and six others, including four women, were injured after a shooting close to the end of a lengthy address by Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness.

The dead men have been identified as 22-year-old Javin Campbell, otherwise called 'Javinci' of Flanker, who is a top tier of the Sparta Gang and Nicholas Irving, otherwise called 'Chow', who is a known affiliate of the Rebel Gang.

It is not known if the attack on the bus is a continuation of the ongoing gang feud.

The police say no permission was given for a motorcade through Flanker, St James yesterday which ended with one man being killed, three others injured and 12 vehicles damaged.

Below is the full release from the police:

The St James Police are reiterating their call for good sense to prevail during the election campaign season.

This call comes against the background of the killing of one man, whose identity has not yet been ascertained, and the injuring of three other persons who were part of a political motorcade on Kodak Street in Flanker, St James yesterday.

Twelve motor vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

"Police intelligence assets are on the ground continuously monitoring the situation," disclosed Senior Superintendent (SSP) Steve McGregor, "and this information informs the decisions about the granting of permission for marches and motorcades.

"We are appealing to organisers and party officials to heed all instructions and warnings given in the future," the SSP said, highlighting that no permission was given for the ill-fated motorcade through Flanker St James.

"In fact, there were explicit warnings against it," he said, explaining that this was because of heightened tensions in the area as a result of the shooting death of two men from the community and the injury of three other persons at a Jamaica Labour Party mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square in the parish on February 8.

The Montego Bay Police are continuing their investigations and are asking anyone who may be able to help them to contact detectives at 953-6191, Police 119 emergency number or the nearest Police Station.

President Michel Martelly made his farewell speech to Haiti as he departed office Sunday with no successor yet chosen because a runoff election was delayed for a second time last month amid violent protests and deep suspicions about vote rigging.

In a nearly 20-minute speech before a joint session of Parliament, Martelly said his "biggest regret is that the presidential election was postponed." Addressing the Haitian people, he said he worked as hard as he could to improve the country and was "ready to answer before the court of history."

Martelly, who took office in May 2011, is departing on what was scheduled as the first day of Port-au-Prince's annual three-day Carnival celebration. However, authorities called off Sunday's festivities because of a tense atmosphere amid the political uncertainty.

Lawmakers are beginning a process to patch together a short-term interim government to smooth political divisions and fill the void left by Martelly's departure. Prime Minister Evans Paul remains in office for now, awaiting a provisional president to be chosen by Parliament in the coming days.

Haiti last created a transitional government in 2004. That interim administration, which lasted for two years, took power in the chaotic days after President Jean Bertrand-Aristide was ousted by a rebellion and a U.N. peacekeeping force came to stabilize the country.

This time, with quarrelling political factions throwing Haiti into an electoral and constitutional crisis, a last-minute deal was forged by Martelly and lawmakers less than 24 hours before his scheduled departure from office. A special mission from the 35-nation Organization of American States was in Haiti to observe last week's negotiations and help foster dialogue.

The deal announced Saturday says an interim government will rule until an elected leader can take office May 14. The twice postponed presidential and legislative runoff is rescheduled for April 24.

Martelly expressed satisfaction with the agreement, saying lawmakers "gave me a guarantee that the country is going to be stable."

He handed over his presidential sash after his address and embraced many of the 23 senators and 86 deputies in the National Assembly. The senators wore black suits and hats while the deputies wore white. Seven legislators were absent.

Senate President Jocelerme Privert said Parliament will accept nominations for a provisional president over the next five days. Legislators are expected to vote for a leader of the caretaker government a couple of days after the nomination period ends.

Some opposition lawmakers disagree with the accord reached by Martelly and legislators, but Privert said they will have to accept the majority's decision. "This is the democratic way," he said.

In a Sunday statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Haitian authorities to implement the accord "in order to ensure the democratic transfer of power to elected officials."

About 100 government supporters gathered outside Parliament wearing pink T-shirts emblazoned with the words: "I am Martelly." Pink is the color of his Tet Kale political faction. Martelly greeted his supporters and waved from a car before his convoy sped off.

It was not immediately clear what his immediate plans were. The pop star-turned-president repeatedly said he wanted to depart office singing on a Carnival float under his pop singer stage name, "Sweet Micky." But another anti-government protest by rock-throwing young men disrupted life in downtown Port-au-Prince on Sunday and some Carnival stands were destroyed.

Grammy award-winning Reggae superstar Sean Paul released another hot new track for 2016. On Friday, February 5, Sean Paul and British singer Jay Sean treated fans to the release of their Make My Love Go single. Featuring an upbeat house styled tune, the song is sure to be anyone's party anthem.

Also to be announced this coming Friday, February 12 is another single Outta Control that features Yolanda Be Cool and Mayra Veronica and premieres in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Since the beginning of the year Sean Paul set the pace from early with single Tornado featuring Nicky B and SynthKartell, which was previously released last Friday, January 29. The artiste began the year 2016 with an upbeat momentum, as his recent releases Never Give Up and Give Thanks for Life videos, have been gaining much popularity.

Europe, which is one Sean Paul's strongest markets, has contributed greatly to the artist's success. His 2014 collaboration with Latin music superstar, Enrique Iglesias, on the English version of the single Bailando achieved a number 12 spot on the Hot 100 charts in August. T

Sean's 2015 success has earned him a nomination in the category of "Favourite Local International Artiste of the Year", for the 2016 Youth View Awards.

The Temperature singer is due to headline the Sean Paul Canadian Full Speed Promo Tour scheduled for March 12-30 after his performance in Las Vegas on March 5. He also recently appeared in Dubai on February 4 after his sold out performance in Chile on January 30.

Kicking off the new year and in time for lover's week, soulful reggae recording artist Omari Banks is delivering "Me & You" produced by multi- platinum, multi-Grammy nominee, Jason "J-Vibe" Farmer.

Music and love transcend all, they are felt with the heart and soul, a universal language that we can all relate, and incorporating the two, Omari tells a stirring story of lost, love and perseverance.

Speaking of the moving song, Omari explains "My inspiration was actually observing relationships and how they can get complicated when outside influences come into the equation. Sometimes all that is needed to bring things back a healthy and good position is the two parties working things out themselves. The song is about a couple who've been together for a while that are still in love but get caught up with the day to day proceedings They aren't spending the valuable time with each other but they realize this and work toward getting things how its suppose to be "Me&U". If you've been in a relationship then you will relate."

Hitting the airwaves, the single has already gathered support and positive feedback from both listeners and broadcasters including DJ Preston, Hot 104 FM in Cayman; The Gadiethz from The International Morning Ride Show, ZROD 103.7FM Tortola BVI; DJ Stormin Norman, Tropixx 105.5FM in St Maarten and The Connoisseur, RTC 107FM Turks & Caicos.

2015 has been a whirlwind year of touring, honor and recognition for Omari, taking it all in stride the humbled artist is looking forward to a new year with new music, video, performances and spreading musical vibes.

Four years after an alleged incident, flambouyant dancehall deejay, Oniel 'Elephant Man' Bryan has been freed of charges of rape, buggery and grievous sexual assault.

The complainant was buried on January 17, less than a month before the case was called up.

It said under the Evidence Amendment Act, it would not be allowed to submit the complainant's written statement.

Justice Marcia Dunbar Green then instructed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The police said the charges against Bryan stemmed from an incident at his St. Andrew home in January 2012.

Investigators say a woman filed a police report claiming that the artiste had sexually assaulted her.When he appeared in the Home Circuit Court on Monday, the crown offered no evidence against him.

The jury was impaneled and directed by Justice Marcia Dunbar-Green to enter a formal verdict of not guilty.

Elephant Man, who was represented by attorneys Linda Wright and Jacqueline Asher, was charged with rape stemming from a January 2012 incident involving a 31-year-old woman at his Hillcrest Avenue home in St Andrew.

Fire of unknown origin destroyed several wooden houses at the intersection of Rum Lane and Barry Street in Kingston early Sunday morning, leaving 100 persons homeless.

Five units responded to the fire that started shortly after 1:00 am.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade's Divisional Head for Kingston and St. Andrew, Superintendent Kevin Haughton, says firefighters were alerted at approximately 1:33 and were at the scene for close to eight hours.

Three persons - a resident and two firefighters - were injured. The fire fighters were hospitalised for smoke inhalation and fatigue but have since been released.

The Ministry of Education has issued a directive that all schools will be closed on election day February 25.

On Wednesday, February 24, schools will be closed at noon to facilitate preparations for election-day activities.

In a bulletin on Monday, the Ministry however said schools will be held Tuesday which is Nomination Day.

In the case of schools that will be used as polling stations on Election Day, principals are asked to ensure that rooms and bathroom facilities assigned to the Electoral Office are cleared, cleaned and all charts as well as teaching aids removed.

Schools will reopen on the following day - February 26.

In cases where schools will not be able to convene on that day, the Education Ministry says school administrators should immediately alert the respective Regional Directors.

Dr. Carl Williams, Jamaica's Police Commissioner, says there was no political motive for the shooting incident that pre-maturely ended the JLP rally in Montego Bay on Sunday night.

Two men were killed and six others suffered gunshot wounds during the shooting.

The police later determined that the two men who died were both members of known gangs in Flanker, St. James, and that they had been in attendance at the rally, staged by the opposition Jamaica Labour Party, when a dispute arose, leading to the shooting.

"Based on our investigation and all the intelligence that we have, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated. To the contrary, our investigations and intelligence are pointing to a dispute among some known persons from a particular community in St. James," the Police Commissioner told Dionne Jackson Miller on RJR's Beyond the Headlines, a short while ago.

"The dispute started right there at the meeting; it had its antecedents, but it happened at the meeting. The meeting was not invaded, as is being suggested by some people," he asserted, adding that "it was not as a result of people coming from outside."

Police report that one of the two persons shot and killed at a Jamaica Labour Party mass meeting in Montego Bay, St. James Sunday night was a well-known member of a gang, that operates in the Flanker community of St. James. Eight persons were shot, two fatally at the JLP rally.

Head of the St. James Police, Senior Superintendent, Steve McGregor says the two persons killed, were directly related to the dispute, which developed at the political meeting, at which JLP Leader Andrew Holness was addressing.

According to the senior supe, the condition of the other six persons is not considered serious.

SSP McGregor says, the shooting incident originated within the meeting.

The dead gang member has been identified as 22-year-old Javin Campbell, otherwise called Javinci', who is known to the police,

Police Commission Dr. Karl Williams is expected to issue a statement on the matter.

Noela Rukundo sat in a car outside her home in Melbourne, Australia, watching as the last few mourners filed out. They were leaving a funeral - her funeral.

Finally, she spotted the man she'd been waiting for. She stepped out of her car, and her husband put his hands on his head in horror.

"Is it my eyes?" she recalled him saying. "Is it a ghost?"

"Surprise! I'm still alive!" she replied.

Far from being elated, the man looked terrified. Five days earlier, he had ordered a team of hit men to kill Rukundo, his partner of 10 years. And they did - well, they told him they did. They even got him to pay an extra few thousand dollars for carrying out the crime.

Now here was his wife, standing before him. In an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Rukundo recalled how he touched her shoulder to find it unnervingly solid. He jumped. Then he started screaming.

"I'm sorry for everything," he wailed.

But it was far too late for apologies; Rukundo called the police. The husband, Balenga Kalala, ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison for incitement to murder, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (the ABC).

The happy ending - or as happy as can be expected to a saga in which a man tries to have his wife killed - was made possible by three unusually principled hit men, a helpful pastor and one incredibly gutsy woman: Rukundo.

Here is how she pulled it off.

Rukundo's ordeal began almost exactly a year ago, when she flew from her home in Melbourne with her husband, Kalala, to attend a funeral in her native Burundi. Her stepmother had died, and the service left her saddened and stressed. She retreated to her hotel room in Bujumbura, the capital, early in the evening; despondent after the events of the day, she lay down in bed. Then her husband called.

"He told me to go outside for fresh air," she told the BBC.

But the minute Rukundo stepped out of her hotel, a man charged forward, pointing a gun right at her.

"Don't scream," she recalled him saying. "If you start screaming, I will shoot you. They're going to catch me, but you? You will already be dead."

Rukundo, terrified, did as she was told. She was ushered into a car and blindfolded so she couldn't see where she was being taken. After 30 or 40 minutes, the car came to a stop, and Rukundo was pushed into a building and tied to a chair.

She could hear male voices, she told the ABC. One asked her, "You woman, what did you do for this man to pay us to kill you?"

"What are you talking about?" Rukundo demanded.

"Balenga sent us to kill you."

They were lying. She told them so. And they laughed.

"You're a fool," they told her.

There was the sound of a dial tone, and a male voice coming through a speakerphone. It was her husband's voice.

"Kill her," he said.

And Rukundo fainted.

Rukundo had met her husband 11 years earlier, right after she arrived in Australia from Burundi, according to the BBC. He was a recent refugee from Congo, and they had the same social worker at the resettlement agency that helped them get on their feet. Since Kalala already knew English, their social worker often recruited him to translate for Rukundo, who spoke Swahili.

They fell in love, moved in together in the Melbourne suburb of Kings Park, and had three children (Rukundo also had five kids from a previous relationship). She learned more about her husband's past - he had fled a rebel army that had ransacked his village, killing his wife and young son. She also learned more about his character.

"I knew he was a violent man," Rukundo told the BBC. "But I didn't believe he can kill me."

But, it appeared, he could.

Rukundo came to in the strange building somewhere near Bujumbura. The kidnappers were still there, she told the ABC.

They weren't going to kill her, the men then explained - they didn't believe in killing women, and they knew her brother. But they would keep her husband's money and tell him that she was dead. After two days, they set her free on the side of a road, but not before giving her a cellphone, recordings of their phone conversations with Kalala, and receipts for the $7,000 in Australian dollars they allegedly received in payment, according to Australia's The Age newspaper.

"We just want you to go back, to tell other stupid women like you what happened," Rukundo said she was told before the gang members drove away.

Shaken, but alive and doggedly determined, Rukundo began plotting her next move. She sought help from the Kenyan and Belgian embassies to return to Australia, according to The Age. Then she called the pastor of her church in Melbourne, she told the BBC, and explained to him what had happened. Without alerting Kalala, the pastor helped her get back home to her neighborhood near Melbourne.

Meanwhile, her husband had told everyone she had died in a tragic accident and the entire community mourned her at her funeral at the family home. On the night of Feb. 22, 2015, just as the widower Kalala waved goodbye to neighbors who had come to comfort him, Rukundo approached him, the very man whose voice she'd heard over the phone five days earlier, ordering that she be killed.

"I felt like somebody who had risen again," she told the BBC.

Though Kalala initially denied all involvement, Rukundo got him to confess to the crime during a phone conversation that was secretly recorded by police, according to The Age.

"Sometimes Devil can come into someone, to do something, but after they do it they start thinking, 'Why I did that thing?' later," he said, as he begged her to forgive him.

Kalala eventually pleaded guilty to the scheme. He was sentenced to nine years in prison by a judge in Melbourne.

"Had Ms. Rukundo's kidnappers completed the job, eight children would have lost their mother," Chief Justice Marilyn Warren said, according to the ABC. "It was premeditated and motivated by unfounded jealousy, anger and a desire to punish Ms. Rukundo."

Rukundo said that Kalala tried to kill her because he thought she was going to leave him for another man - an accusation she denies.

But her trials are not yet over. Rukundo told the ABC she's gotten backlash from Melbourne's Congolese community for reporting Kalala to the police. Someone left threatening messages for her, and she returned home one day to find her back door broken. She now has eight children to raise alone and has asked the Department of Human Services to help her find a new place to live.

And lying in bed at night, Kalala's voice still comes to her: "Kill her, kill her," she told the BBC. "Every night, I see what was happening in those two days with the kidnappers."

Despite all that, "I will stand up like a strong woman," she said. "My situation, my past life? That is gone. I'm starting a new life now."

Ghetto Youths International - the independent record label owned and operated by Bob Marley's sons Damian, Julian and Stephen - releases the third installment of Set Up Shop. The compliation series stands true to GYI ethos of making messgae music. Hence, the opening track "The Message," which sets the precedent for the album. The song by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Trinidadian soca star Bunji Garlin is passionate forward-thinking song fights for the souls of our youth and future generation.

The compilation continues with thought-provoking material. Damian Marley revamps Stephen "Ragga" Marley's anthem "Hey Baby" (feat. Mos Def) into a stellar one drop remix. Stephen also addresses the ongoing cycle of youth violence on his most recent single Ghetto Boy (feat. Bounty Killer & Cobra), while Julian Marley proclaims "Lemme Go" in light of the recent ganja decriminilazation laws in Jamaica, off the popular On The Corner riddim (produced by Damian Marley). Reggae's rising star Kabaka Pyramid also voices over the the riddim, addressing all the crooked polticians on this powerful open letter to the gatekeepers.

Ghetto Youths labelmates, like Jo Mersa featured on Morgan Heritage's "Light It Up," Black-Am-I on new solo singles "Vessel" and "Living Dread" and Christopher Ellis on "Glory," all shine on the collection. Newcomer Skip Marley also delivers on his latest hit "Cry To Me," while reggae legends Third World pave new ground on "YinMasGan." "Rude Bwoy" is a powerhouse collaboration featuring the GYI massive ( Stephen Marley, Jo Mersa, Julian Marley, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Black-Am-I, Wayne Marshall) plus more (Determine) that will have reggae purists rewinding and pulling up until early morning.

They've been inseparable since confirming their romance earlier this year.

And Blac Chyna was joined by her boyfriend Rob Kardashian as she posed for a seriously sexy photoshoot on the beach in Los Angeles, revealing far more than onlookers bargained for as she posed topless in a pair of bikini briefs.

The 27-year-old model showcased her incredible curves for the cameras, displaying her ample assets and voluptuous rear in an array of skimpy swimwear as a grinning Rob proudly cheered her on from the sidelines, happily showing his face in public after years as a recluse.

Blac Chyna's hourglass figure was on full display as she frolicked on the sand, ensuring her bulbous bottom was the centre of attention during the shoot, promoting 138 Water by DRE.

Lunging into a squat, the former exotic dancer proved she had a rotund derriere to rival even Kim Kardashian as she posed in an itsy bitsy red two-piece.

The daring swimsuit, which boasted black and white stripe detailing across the chest, barely contained her pert posterior as she performed an array of sensual poses.

Blac later showed off more than she anticipated when she stripped off her bikini top, exposing her ample cleavage.

Changing into a simple black two-piece, the social media sensation waded into the shallows, where she had to contend with the waves as she attempted to cut a sultry figure.

After drying off, the curvy star stretched out on a rock formation, rehydrating herself as she showcased her flat stomach and toned thighs.

Rob certainly didn't seem to mind hanging around the set all day, beaming from ear-to-ear as he followed her around like a puppy dog.

The formerly reclusive Keeping Up With The Kardahsians star, who revealed his newly-shaven face, happily assisted his curvy girlfriend as she got to work.

Rob congratulated Chyna on a good job following the shoot, holding hands and laughing as they walked back up the beach together.

Despite rumours the Kardshians are angry about Rob taking up with Chyna - who raises son King Cairo with rapper Tyga, who is dating Rob's 18-year-old sister Kylie Jenner - an insider revealed the sock designer is keen for his new girlfriend to get on with his family.

A source told MailOnline: 'Rob and Chyna are going from strength to strength. They're happy living together and he's even taken things to the next step by introducing her to Kris, in spite of the family drama surrounding their relationship.'

Meanwhile, Us Weekly is claiming the lovebirds want to turn their new-found notoriety into cash.

Rob was last seen on Keeping Up With The Kardshians in 2013, struggling with his weight gain and self-confidence issues, as well as battling depression, and has shunned publicity ever since.

However, the sock designer appears to be attempting to turn his life around in recent months, taking to social media more often and actively trying to shed his 100lbs weight gain with the help of his new love.

Sources said that Rob has been claiming his quality of life actually has improved and he's been dieting, working out every day at Chyna's home gym in a bid to get back in shape.

The 28-year-old star and the model are even reportedly looking into creating their own reality show that would not be too unlike his family's Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

'They're talking about it,' said a source. 'It was a joke at first, but then she realized it would be a good show.'

Considering how upset the family is over Rob's new romance - Khloe is 'furious' according to People - it is likely they will try to block Rob and Chyna from working with E!.

Marion Hall, more popularly known as Lady Saw, will be doing back to back shows in America's Tri-state area this March.

Saw, who is still being referred to as the queen of dancehall, despite her public announcement that she will no longer be doing dancehall music, will be performing under her birth name, Marion Hall.

The first show will be held in Bronx, New York, at Evander Child High School on March 25th, the second in New Jersey on March 26th (exact location TBA) and the last in Hartford, Connecticut at the West Indian Social Club Ballroom on March 27th.

Minister Hall, as she is referred to in gospel circles, since her baptism on December 14, 2015, has released some new gospel songs which have been doing extremely well.

Among the slate of events to celebrate reggae icon Bob Marley's 71st birthday is the annual Digicel Redemption Live concert.

The concert will be held at Sabina Park, Sunday, starting at 4 p.m.

"The Redemption Live concert has become a calendar event, every year the event keeps growing, and we are very happy with the successes because it is an indication that our customers are happy.

"Last year we had over 15,000 patrons turning out, downtown, to celebrate with us and over 13,000 viewers of the live stream, worldwide. This year, with the move to Sabina Park, we know it will be bigger and the 48-hours of Bob live stream will make the celebrations even better," said Tari Lovell, sponsorship manager, Digicel.

The 2016 reggae Grammy-nominated, Morgan Heritage has expressed excitement in performing at the concert.

Gramps Morgan, member of the group said, "We are looking forward to Sunday. We haven't performed in Jamaica for while, especially in Kingston.

"Our fans can expect to hear some of their favourite Morgan Heritage hits as well as new songs from our Grammy-nominated album. We want everyone to come out, as we know, with Digicel it will be a first-class production".

Free tickets for the concert will be available at select Digicel dealer stores islandwide. Persons may text 49 to 137, for FREE to find the closest locaton.

However, the concert will also be streamed live on the Digicel YouTube page - www.youtube.com/DigicelJamaica - as a part of the 48 hours of Bob stream, available from midnight Saturday, February 6.

Model and former exotic dancer,, Blac Chyna, is coming to Jamaica to host t Brit-Jam 2016.

Blac Chyna, who is currently dating Rob Kardasian, will make her grand appearance at Flesh, which is one of the shows in a series of 11 events under the Brit-Jam calendar which culminates on March 9 in Western Jamaica.

During her stint at Brit Jam she will also share hosting duties with Yanique 'Curvy Diva' Barrett. According to a spokesperson at Brit-Jam, potential patrons are anticipating Chyna's visit.

"Team Brit-Jam is very happy to welcome Blac Chyna to our Brit-Jam family and we must say she certainly has our male followers excited, as presold ticket sales have skyrocketed since her addition," the Brit-Jam spokesperson shared.

The annual event is now celebrating six years of success and has pulled many overseas patrons to Jamaica each year. Brit-Jam will also feature the likes of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Gully Bop, I-Octane, Demarco, Aidonia, Tanto Blacks, Kymani Marley, Sizzla and Jahmiel, as well as selectors Tony Matterhorn, Coppershot and Crazy Dean.

Toronto, CANADA, February 5, 2016: - Unfortunately, an acrimonious report on a particular website states that dancehall sensation, Tanto Blacks, was bottled at a show in Canada on Thursday night, the same night the artiste arrived in Canada.

We take this opportunity to state that the entire report is a total fabrication and emphasise that no such incident took place. The quotation in the article, allegedly from Tanto Blacks is false; the quote from the promoter is also totally untrue.

Tanto Blacks did not perform at any event in Canada on Thursday night. He arrived at the Pearson airport in Toronto at at 6:30 pm on an Air Canada flight. We checked in at the hotel, went to have some food, did an interview on an Internet radio and went back to the hotel.

We were supposed to go downtown, but Tanto said he was tired, so he didn't leave the hotel at all after that.

Tanto is booked to perform at the Classic Lounge in Toronto tonight, Friday, February 5, 2016.

We challenge the website to state the name of the venue where the alleged incident occurred and provide pictures and video footage of the alleged incident.

Tanto Blacks was not bottled in Canada on Thursday night, as was erroneously reported by a website on Friday.

In an interview with Yardflex on Friday, Sample King, one of the promoters of the show and also an artiste, stated that no such thing happened and outlined the sequence of events starting from Tanto's arrival in CAnada on Thursday.

"We arrived at Pearson International Airport in Toronto at about 6:30pm, cleared customs, went to the hotel and from there we went t o get something to eat. After that, we went and did an interview on an Internet radio station and returned to the hotel," Sample explained.

He added that the idea was for Tanto to visit a few places in downtown Toronto that night, but the artiste said he was feeling a bit tired and requested to stay at the hote instead.

"Tanto didn't want to go anywhere because he was tired. so we were actually in his room holding a vibe and putting together his itinerary for Friday, when he would make his debut in Toronto. I left Tanto in his room at about 2:00 am," the promoter/artiste told Yardflex.

According to Sample, he has absolutely no idea where such a story could have come from, but he and his team are adamant that a full retraction and apology from the website must be done.

Owing to the fact that the story has gained so much traction online, the promoters put out the following release"

The Jamaican Parliament was dissoved on Friday ahead of the February 25 general election.

All sittings of the House of Representatives and the Senate will cease until a new government is formed.

Despite the dissolution of Parliament, however, ministers of government continue to perform their executive functions, between the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of new ministers, following the election.

However, according to attorney Bert Samuels, there are exceptional circumstances in which, Parliament, despite having been dissolved, could be recalled, in the national interest.

"If a national disaster takes place, between the dissolution of the Parliament and the holding of elections, then the Parliament will come back together, and it will not be taken as being dissolved and the work of the Parliament will continue... and the new date for the election, if it is pushed back, becomes the date on which the Parliament is dissolved."

Bigen, a popular hair dye that is readily available in most Chinese wholesales across Jamaica and also in several pharmacies and hair products stores, has been banned in Britain because it can harm a woman's fertility and endanger her unborn child.

Popular store, Tesco pulled the product from its UK stores following a Europe-wide alert. Sainsbury's said it was also removing the dye from sale.

The removal order followed the discovery of a banned chemical in three hair-care products: Bigen, Blasol and JR Beauty.

The ban came from the EU's Rapid Alert System, Rapex, which warned: 'The list of ingredients indicates that the hair-dye contains sodium perborate. Sodium perborate is toxic if inhaled... [and] may damage fertility or the unborn child.'

Professor Allan Pacey, former chairman of the British Fertility Society, said last night: 'If women are concerned about using the recalled products they should seek medical advice.'

A spokesman for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, which is responsible for recalls, said: 'Sodium perborate is a prohibited substance under the cosmetic products safety regulations because it can cause harm to fertility and unborn children.

'As with any recall consumers and retailers should follow the instructions and in this case they should return the product and ask for a refund.'

A Tesco spokesman: 'Customer safety is always our top priority, so we have taken the precautionary measure of issuing a product recall for the Bigen hair dye range.'

'A Sainsbury's spokesman added: 'We are taking the Bigen product off the shelves.'

00 person, including prostitutes, were arrested early Saturday morning during a Police Operation in St Andrew.

Police report that a team led the St Andrew Central Division went to select locations in the Kingston 5 area - known to be a regular hangout for prostitutes and drug addicts - including Ripon Road, Eureka Road and Eureka Crescent, and made the arrests. The operation was launched as the Police heighten their drive around public order issues, with an emphasis on enforcing Section 7 of the Town and Communities Act.

Cops from the Kingston Western Division, the Caribbean Search Centre, the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), the Mobile Reserve and the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) were also on hand..

Police say the four-hour operation, began about 1:00 AM.

One man, identified as Allan Jacob, a 47-year-old driver of North Avenue, Kingston 5 was charged for possession of cocaine and ganja. He is booked to appear in the Half Way Tree Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday, March 14. Two other persons were also charged under the National Solid Waste Management Act.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2016) - Marley Natural, the official Bob Marley cannabis brand, today debuted a broad-based collection of cannabis and lifestyle products designed with deep respect for Bob Marley's legacy and belief in the positive potential of the herb to heal and inspire us.

"We are fortunate to be living during a promising time of positive change, especially with regard to cannabis and how people understand it. My dad would be so happy to see so many people appreciating the natural, healing power of the herb. We are thrilled to be sharing Marley Natural products with the world just in time for his 71st birthday," said Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's daughter.

Marley Natural's inaugural product line includes:

Four categories of all-natural, locally-sourced, sun-grown cannabis flower and oil;

A naturally-derived line of body care products that blend the moisturizing power of hemp seed oil with Jamaican botanicals;

A collection of smoking, storage and preparation accessories made from sustainably grown American Black Walnut wood and heat-resistant, and oil are hand-selected from local farms run by experienced growers committed to sustainable growing practices. Sun-grown, natural and untainted by harmful pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers, all Marley Natural products are tested and clearly labeled for potency, purity and safety. Initially available exclusively in California, distribution of Marley Natural cannabis flower and oil will expand to other U.S. states where cannabis is legal in 2016 and internationally in 2017. Marley Natural cannabis flower and oil are available in four categories, each featuring different strains depending on harvest availability:

Marley Green features hybrid strains recommended for people beginning their journey with Marley Natural. Marley Green strains have balanced levels of THC that combine the cerebral effects of sativa with the physical relaxation of indica. Marley Green strains are appropriate for anytime use.

Marley Gold features sativa strains that offer energetic, uplifting effects that may produce a more cerebral experience compared to other cannabis strains. Marley Gold strains are appropriate for daytime use.

Marley Red features CBD-rich strains that combine CBD and THC in a beneficial ratio. CBD-rich cannabis is frequently reported to provide patients and consumers with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-anxiety properties without the psychoactive effects of strains high in THC. Marley Red strains are appropriate for anytime use.

Marley Black features indica strains recommended for connoisseurs seeking a more physical, full-body experience. Marley Black strains are high in THC and appropriate

A mother and her two children are suspected to have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in Three Hills, St Mary on Thursday, February 4.

They have been identified as 37-year-old Charla Thompson-Young and her two children- 12-year-old Brandon Young and 4-year-old Leslie Ann Young, all of Three Hills in St Mary.

Reports from the Retreat Police are that about 7:30 am, Mrs Young's sister went to the house where she discovered the bodies. The Police was called in and the bodies were seen in the house. Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that a gas generator, which was housed in the living room, was reportedly left turned on overnight with the house locked-up.